Tourist Fatality and Multiple Injuries in Pahalgam Terror Incident; Major Manhunt Underway
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Synopsis
A tragic terror attack in Pahalgam resulted in the death of a tourist and injuries to over a dozen others. Security forces are currently engaged in extensive operations to apprehend the attackers, while officials express their condolences and assure justice for the victims.
Key Takeaways
- One tourist killed in a terror attack.
- At least 12 others injured.
- Security forces launched a massive operation to find the attackers.
- Incident occurred in the Baisran area of Pahalgam.
- Emergency meetings are being held by government officials.
Srinagar, April 22 (NationPress) A tourist lost their life and at least 12 other individuals, comprising both tourists and locals, sustained injuries during a terrorist attack at the Pahalgam hill station in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday. This incident has prompted security forces to initiate a significant operation to apprehend the culprits.
The attack occurred when terrorists targeted a group of tourists in the Baisran area of Pahalgam. Reports indicate that 2 to 3 assailants, donned in army uniforms, opened fire on horse-riding tourists around 2:30 p.m. Baisran, a small meadow located 3 to 4 km away from the Pahalgam market, is accessible only by horseback due to the absence of motorable roads.
According to an official, "One tourist was killed in this attack, while several others, including tourists and locals, were injured. The injured have been transported to the Pahalgam hospital, and those with serious injuries were subsequently moved to Srinagar for advanced medical care." The area has been sealed off by security forces to locate the attackers.
In a heart-wrenching account, a tourist from Karnataka, who lost her husband in the assault, shared with Kannada media that both she and her 18-year-old son faced the terrorist and pleaded to be killed along with Manjunath. Allegedly, the terrorist told them they would not be harmed and instructed them to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.
Sources indicate that the number of casualties may increase as numerous individuals sustained injuries.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha expressed on X, "Anti-terror operations have been launched to neutralize the terrorists. The entire nation is angered, and the blood of our forces is boiling. I assure the nation that the culprits of the Pahalgam attack will face severe consequences for their heinous acts. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families."
Home Minister Amit Shah was en route to Srinagar and is set to lead a high-level security meeting at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar.
Additionally, Northern Army commander Lt Gen M.V. Suchendra Kumar has departed from Delhi to Srinagar to assess the situation with field commanders.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also hurrying to Srinagar to oversee relief efforts for the victims of the terrorist attack.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has arrived in Pahalgam in preparation for the Union Home Minister's visit to the attack site.
A helpline has been established in the Anantnag control room for tourists and their families to inquire about their loved ones.
Prime Minister Modi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, held a phone conversation with the Union Home Minister following the attack, instructing him to implement all necessary measures.
The Home Minister, who was also directed to visit the site of the attack, convened an emergency meeting to address the incident.
"I am deeply disturbed by the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this dreadful act of terror will not be spared, and we will take stringent action against the perpetrators. I briefed PM Shri @narendramodi about the incident and held a video conference with relevant officials. I will soon depart for Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review meeting with all agencies," the Home Minister stated in a post on X.
Lt Governor Sinha expressed his shock over the incident, ensuring that those accountable for the attack will be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the public that those behind this despicable act will not escape punishment. I spoke with the DGP and security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the scene and initiated search operations," the LG wrote on X.
"I’m utterly shocked. This attack on our visitors is intolerable. The individuals responsible for this act are inhumane and deserve our utmost contempt. No words of condemnation suffice. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I’ve coordinated with my colleague @sakinaitoo, who has gone to the hospital to manage care for the injured. I will be flying back to Srinagar immediately. #Pahalgam," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated in a post on X.
PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti vehemently condemned the "cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam."
"Such violence is intolerable and must be condemned. Historically, Kashmir has warmly welcomed tourists, making this rare incident particularly alarming. A thorough investigation is crucial to bring the perpetrators to justice and evaluate possible security failures. Ensuring the safety of visitors is vital, and measures must be implemented to avert future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," she posted on X.
This incident marks the most significant terrorist attack on tourists since the onset of separatist violence in the 1990s.
The attack occurs during an ongoing thriving tourist season in the Valley.
All hotels in Srinagar city and tourist resorts in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are fully booked. An extraordinary influx of tourists is anticipated in J&K this year, with official forecasts predicting around two crore tourists will visit the Union Territory.
Tuesday's attack coincides with the registration period for this year's Amarnath Yatra, which is set to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9, aligning with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals, respectively. During his recent visit to J&K, the Union Home Minister conducted a high-level security review meeting, issuing directives for the complete eradication of terrorism, particularly focusing on the Jammu division. He also emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward infiltration.
