Pahalgam: Deadliest Terror attack Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – A serene afternoon in the picturesque meadow of Baisaran, near Pahalgam, turned into a nightmare on April 22, as armed terrorists launched a brutal attack on tourists, killing 26 people and injuring several others. The incident marks the deadliest civilian-targeted attack in the region since the Pulwama strike of 2019.
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Pahalgam: Deadliest Terror Attack The Attack Unfolds
Eyewitnesses recount the horror as gunmen descended upon the lush green valley, often referred to as “mini Switzerland,” and indiscriminately opened fire on visitors enjoying pony rides, picnics, and local eateries. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, along with two local residents. Survivors described the chaos, with people running for cover as gunfire echoed through the meadow.
Pahalgam: Deadliest Terror Attack : Immediate Response and Rescue Effort
Security forces and emergency responders rushed to the scene, evacuating the injured with the help of locals who transported victims on horseback. Authorities pressed helicopters into service to airlift the wounded to nearby hospitals. A tourist police officer, who was present at the site, recounted his efforts to rescue three injured individuals.
Tragedy in Pahalgam: Political and Security Reactions
The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to oversee security measures and conduct a high-level review meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, cut his trip short to address the crisis, condemning the attack as a “heinous act” and vowing swift justice.
Tragedy in Pahalgam: Public Outrage and Condemnation
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with locals in Srinagar holding candlelight protests against the violence. Political leaders, including J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have denounced the perpetrators as “inhuman” and called for stringent action. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a probe into the incident, with security forces intensifying their search for the attackers.
Tragedy in Pahalgam: Looking Ahead
As Kashmir reels from the shock of this tragedy, the attack raises concerns about the safety of tourists in the region. Authorities are expected to implement heightened security measures to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, families of the victims and survivors continue to grapple with the trauma of that fateful day.
This devastating event underscores the urgent need for strengthened security and vigilance in conflict-prone areas, ensuring that such tragedies do not repeat.
