Around 26 people were feared killed when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir.
Worst Civilian Attack in Years:
This is the most serious attack on civilians in the region in recent years, shaking the peace that had slowly returned to the area.
Witnesses in Shock
People nearby at the time thought they were hearing firecrackers, but quickly realized it was gunfire. Many ran for kilometers to save their lives.
Growing Tension Over Settlements
The government recently gave domicile rights to about 84,000 outsiders, sparking tensions over demographic changes in the region.
Government Response
Prime Minister Modi called the attack “heinous” and promised the attackers will not be spared. Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Kashmir to lead a security meeting.
Background of the Conflict
Kashmir has a long history of conflict, but such attacks had decreased in recent years. The region’s special status was revoked in 2019, which many believe added to the current unrest.