was shattered yesterday afternoon in a brutal attack that left at least 26 tourists dead and many
more injured. The incident, which occurred in the popular Baisaran meadow, has sent
shockwaves across the nation and cast a pall of fear over the popular holiday destination.
Eyewitness accounts paint a horrifying picture of gun-wielding militants opening indiscriminate
fire on a group of tourists who were reportedly enjoying the picturesque scenery. The attack,
which took place around 1:30 PM, caught the visitors completely off guard, turning a leisurely
afternoon into a scene of carnage.
Initial reports indicate that the majority of the deceased were domestic tourists, although there
are also reports of two foreign nationals among the victims. The Resistance Front (TRF),
believed to be an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the
attack, though official confirmation is still awaited.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and
returned to India to chair a high-level security meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed
to Srinagar to assess the situation on the ground and met with top security officials. He also paid
his respects to the victims' families.
Opposition leaders have also strongly condemned the attack, with many questioning the
government's claims of normalcy returning to the region. Security forces have launched a
massive search operation to nab the perpetrators, and the area has been cordoned off.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Kashmir in recent years,
particularly targeting tourists who had largely been spared in the past. This brazen act of
violence is a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in the region despite efforts to promote
peace and normalcy.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹10 lakh for the
families of the deceased. Help desks have been established in Anantnag and Srinagar to assist
tourists, and emergency numbers have been released.
As Pahalgam grapples with the aftermath of this horrific attack, the focus remains on ensuring
justice for the victims and their families, and on taking concrete steps to prevent such tragedies
from recurring in the future. The incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the
need for sustained efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
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