Deadly Attack on Tourists in Indian-Administered Kashmir Leaves at Least 24 Dead
A brutal attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, a scenic region in Indian-administered Kashmir, claimed at least 24 lives on Tuesday, according to anonymous police sources. Authorities described it as the deadliest civilian attack in years.
Conflicting Casualty Figures
While a senior police officer anonymously confirmed 24 fatalities to AFP, other sources provided varying tolls: 20 and 26 deaths. Indian media initially reported one death and seven injuries. The injured were rushed to local hospitals, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos. One survivor recounted mistaking gunfire for firecrackers before fleeing, while a tour guide transported wounded victims on horseback. Medics reported treating gunshot injuries, including a critical neck wound.
Attack Details and Claim of Responsibility
The assault occurred in a remote meadow near Pahalgam, a popular summer destination where violence had declined in recent years. Indian Express cited unnamed police sources stating 2-3 suspects were involved. A little-known group, “Kashmir Resistance,” claimed responsibility on social media, criticizing the settlement of over 85,000 “outsiders” in the region—a reference to India’s domicile policy granting non-locals residency rights since 2019. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
Political Reactions and Regional Tensions
Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the “cowardly attack,” which reportedly killed five tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to bring perpetrators to justice, while Home Minister Amit Shah announced an urgent security review. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi urged accountability, calling the killings “heartbreaking.”
Context of Violence and Tourism Push
The attack comes amid India’s efforts to rebrand the conflict-ridden region as a tourist hotspot. Over 3.5 million visitors arrived in 2024, mostly domestic tourists. However, tensions persist since India revoked Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019, integrating it into federal governance and intensifying disputes with Pakistan. The region remains heavily militarized, with 500,000 Indian troops stationed there.
International Condolences
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, visiting India during the attack, expressed condolences, as did former President Donald Trump, who pledged solidarity with India. The incident follows a June attack on Hindu pilgrims that left nine dead, underscoring lingering security challenges despite reduced insurgency levels since the 1990s.
Broader Implications
The attack highlights unresolved tensions in Kashmir, where demographic shifts and political reforms continue to fuel discontent. Analysts note that such violence often coincides with high-profile diplomatic events, aiming to draw global attention to the disputed territory.
