A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
At least 20 people were feared killed after suspected militants opened fire on tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory on Tuesday, according to three security sources, in what is believed to be the worst civilian attack in the troubled Himalayan region in years.
The incident took place in Pahalgam, a popular mountainous destination where tourism has flourished in recent years amid a decline in militant violence. One security source put the death toll at 20, another at 24, and a third at 26. All three spoke on condition of anonymity, lacking official authorisation to brief the media.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted. “The firing happened in front of us,” one person told India Today, adding, “We thought it was firecrackers, but then we heard people screaming. We ran for four kilometres without stopping.”
According to reports in the Indian Express, the attack was carried out in a meadow off the main road by two or three militants. The identities of the attackers remain unconfirmed, while the nationalities of the victims have yet to be disclosed.
A little-known group calling itself the "Kashmir Resistance" claimed responsibility for the assault in a social media post, linking the attack to concerns over demographic changes in the region following recent domicile grants to non-locals. Reuters has not independently verified the message.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the severity of the incident, stating on social media platform X, “This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing justice for the victims. “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” he posted on X. Home Minister Amit Shah announced his immediate departure for Kashmir to oversee a security review.
The region has experienced decades of conflict since the outbreak of an anti-India insurgency in 1989, with violence declining notably in recent years. India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, dividing it into two federally administered territories and granting domicile rights to thousands of outsiders, a move that sparked political tensions and drew criticism from Pakistan.
Attacks on tourists in the area have become rare. The last major incident occurred in June 2024, when a militant assault led to the deaths of nine Hindu pilgrims and injuries to 33 others after their bus plunged into a gorge.
The latest violence comes a day after U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day personal visit to India, though no official connection between the visit and the attack has been suggested.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening economic, energy, and diaspora-related ties with Saudi Arabia.
During a visit to India, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said both nations can build a win-win partnership in trade, defense, and energy, reaffirming President Trump’s support. His trip comes as India seeks a key trade deal before a tariff pause ends.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day trip to India on Monday, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss trade issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A building collapse in New Delhi has killed at least 11 people, including three children, as rescue teams continue searching through the debris for survivors.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met his Kyrgyz counterpart Mirbek Mambetaliev in Bishkek to discuss cultural collaboration, highlighting key initiatives like the Kyrgyz Culture Days in Baku and joint projects like the new school in Aghdam.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Australia’s top political leaders doubled down on plans to ban social media access for children under 16, showing rare unity on the issue ahead of the May 3 election even as pressure from tech giants is expected to mount.
China’s Shenzhen Hasee Computer Co. is considering launching laptop manufacturing operations in Azerbaijan, following key talks with local investment authorities.
The blockade of Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS entered another day, as students and citizens press demands for media transparency and accountability following a deadly tragedy in Novi Sad.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met his Kyrgyz counterpart Mirbek Mambetaliev in Bishkek to discuss cultural collaboration, highlighting key initiatives like the Kyrgyz Culture Days in Baku and joint projects like the new school in Aghdam.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment