Event: Deadliest attack on civilians in Kashmir in recent years.
Location: Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Date: April 22, 2025.
Perpetrators: Suspected militant group called "Kashmir Resistance."
Attack Details
Casualties:
At least 28 tourists killed.
Victims included tourists from Indian states (Karnataka, Odisha, and Gujarat) and two foreign nationals.
At least six others wounded.
Time of Attack: Around 3 PM local time.
Method: Gunmen opened fire on tourists.
Escape: Perpetrators fled into nearby forested mountains.
Response
Emergency Response:
Helicopter services deployed for evacuation due to lack of road access.
Paramedics and local guides assisted in handling the wounded.
Security Measures:
Area cordoned off.
Security forces deployed to track attackers.
Political and Social Reactions
Local Government:
Omar Abdullah, regional official, noted the attack's severity.
Protests erupted condemning the attack, with some blaming Pakistan.
Indian Government:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowed justice.
International Reaction:
US Vice President JD Vance, visiting India, condemned the attack.
Context
Kashmir Dispute:
Region claimed by both India and Pakistan.
Militancy ongoing since 1989.
Revocation of Kashmir's special status by India in 2019 increased tensions.
Group Claiming Responsibility
"Kashmir Resistance":
Claimed attack was response to demographic changes due to Indian policies.
Opposes settlement of outsiders in Kashmir.
Historical and Political Background
Kashmir's Status:
Formerly had special autonomy under Indian constitution.
Autonomy revoked in 2019, creating two union territories.
Militancy:
Historically involved foreign fighters; now increasingly local.
Focus on resisting Indian rule and demographic changes.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism Industry:
Baisaran Valley, a major tourist spot, attracts thousands daily.
Attack marks a shift as tourists had largely been spared from violence.
Conclusion
This attack highlights ongoing tensions in Kashmir and challenges in ensuring safety for both locals and visitors amid enduring geopolitical conflicts.
The response from both local and international communities underscores the attack's impact on regional stability and global diplomatic relations.