Devastating terrorist attacks in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir has claimed at least 26 lives, including foreign tourists and a Navy officer, and injured over 20 others. The assault, described by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” It’s occurance, just weeks before the Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on 3rd July, is extremely alarming. Pehelgam serves as a base camp for all devotees inclined to make the climb to the amarnath caves.
The attack unfolded in the picturesque Baisaran meadow, often called “mini Switzerland,” where tourists were enjoying pony rides and local food stalls. Eyewitnesses reports state that two to three gunmen, dressed in military garb emerged from dense pine forests and fired indiscriminately. Some accounts suggest the attackers targeted Hindus specifically.
The Resistance Front (TRF) a Pakistan-linked terrorist group, headed by Hafiz Sayeed, claimed responsibility. This might lean towards a conspiracy to disrupt Kashmir’s tourism boom and the upcoming pilgrimage.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and launched a widespread manhunt for the terrorists. Union Home Minister Amit Shah departed for Srinagar to review security detail. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing that the perpetrators ‘will not be spared’. Anti-Pakistan protests have began erupting all over Jammu with locals demanding greater counter-terrorism actions.
Security agencies suspect Pakistan’s involvement, pointing to TRF’s ties with Lashkar-e-Toiba. The timing of rhe attack oddly coinciding with the U.S. Vice President J D Vance’s visit to India, suggests an intent to embarrass the Indian government internationally.
Eerily, the past 8 years has seen over 5 attacks by terrorists which were aimed specifically at pilgrims and tourists starting with the attack in 2000. What followed was carnage at different points in time with varying intensities. From bus ambushes to shooting local ferry drivers and targeting private resorts.
