Foreign Nationals Among 26 Killed As Terrorists Fire Indiscriminately On Tourists In Kashmir's Pahalgam
Terrorists attacked the group of tourists near a meadow in Baisaran, Pahalgam.
A group of terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) attacked a group of tourists in Baisaran valley in southern Kashmir’s Pahalgam, killing 26 and injuring many others. The group named The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post which also included a picture of one of the injured tourists.
A bloodied and injured tourist said that two terrorists dressed in military fatigues opened fire at them. The visibly distraught and injured tourists were brought to a nearby hospital for treatment. Women and elderly were among the group of tourists attacked. One tourist succumbed to the injuries while being rushed for treatment.
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At least two foreign nationals were also killed in the terrorist attack.
Top intelligence sources said 4 to 6 terrorists were involved in the Pahalgam attack, including three foreign nationals and one local from Kashmir. M4 and AK-47 bullets were recovered from the site.
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Security forces have been rushed to the spot and they have cordoned off the area. They have also launched a combing operation while exercising caution as intelligence sources told News18 that there are concerns that security forces could be lured into a trap.
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Intelligence sources said that they fear that the death toll could be in double digits and the attack could be one of the biggest terror attacks to strike Kashmir.
The attack started around 2:30pm on Tuesday afternoon as the tourists were roaming the meadows of Bainsram on horseback.
Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the attack and is reaching Srinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah both vowed to come down heavily on the terrorists and assured that they will be brought to justice. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opted to cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia. Skipping the scheduled official dinner, the Prime Minister has decided to return to India earlier than planned. Originally set to return tomorrow night, PM Modi will now depart for India tonight and is expected to arrive early Wednesday morning.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to extend medical assistance to those injured. Manoj Sinha in a social media post said: “I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations".
“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
“The news of the death of tourists and injuries to many in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely condemnable and heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, condemning the attacks.
Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Sajjad Lone of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (PC) also condemned the attack.
World Leaders React
US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended their condolences to the victims and stood in solidarity with the Indian people.
Ambassadors from several nations like Singapore, France, Israel and Japan also extended their condolences to the victims.
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