NEW DELHI: Terror struck at the heart of Kashmir’s tourist belt once again on Tuesday, as militants opened fire on a crowded site in Pahalgam, killing at least 28 people, including two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, and two locals. The incident, which also left dozens injured, has reignited memories of the valley’s most brutal attacks on civilians over the past three decades.
The assault, carried out at one of south Kashmir’s most visited locations, comes just months after the deadly June 2024 attack in Reasi, where pilgrims en route to Vaishno Devi were targeted. Officials described Tuesday’s attack as the deadliest on civilians in recent years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed in Delhi shortly after the attack, held an emergency meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar at the airport itself. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he had spoken with home minister Amit Shah, the J&K chief minister, and Congress leader Tariq Karra to understand the situation. "The families of the victims deserve justice and our fullest support. Hollow claims of normalcy must now give way to concrete action,” Gandhi said.
This is not the first time Pahalgam has found itself in the crosshairs. From the abduction of six foreign tourists in 1995, one of whom was later killed, to the 2000 Nunwan base camp massacre that left 32 dead, including Amarnath pilgrims and local vendors, the region has seen more than its share of bloodshed.
A pattern of pain
The valley’s history is pockmarked with chilling incidents:
March 2000, 36 Sikhs were massacred in Chittisinghpora on the eve of President Clinton’s visit.
Aug 2002, 9 Amarnath pilgrims were killed in an attack at the Nunwan camp.
July 2017, seven Amarnath pilgrims, mostly from Gujarat, were killed in Anantnag.
June 2024, a Vaishno Devi-bound bus came under fire in Reasi, killing 10 and injuring 33.
From fidayeen assaults on temples to grenade attacks on buses, the targets have mostly remained the same: pilgrims, tourists, migrant workers, and minority communities.
As the nation mourns yet another tragedy, pressure is mounting on the Centre and state administration to move beyond statements and deliver actionable security reforms.
The assault, carried out at one of south Kashmir’s most visited locations, comes just months after the deadly June 2024 attack in Reasi, where pilgrims en route to Vaishno Devi were targeted. Officials described Tuesday’s attack as the deadliest on civilians in recent years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed in Delhi shortly after the attack, held an emergency meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar at the airport itself. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he had spoken with home minister Amit Shah, the J&K chief minister, and Congress leader Tariq Karra to understand the situation. "The families of the victims deserve justice and our fullest support. Hollow claims of normalcy must now give way to concrete action,” Gandhi said.
This is not the first time Pahalgam has found itself in the crosshairs. From the abduction of six foreign tourists in 1995, one of whom was later killed, to the 2000 Nunwan base camp massacre that left 32 dead, including Amarnath pilgrims and local vendors, the region has seen more than its share of bloodshed.
A pattern of pain
The valley’s history is pockmarked with chilling incidents:
March 2000, 36 Sikhs were massacred in Chittisinghpora on the eve of President Clinton’s visit.
Aug 2002, 9 Amarnath pilgrims were killed in an attack at the Nunwan camp.
July 2017, seven Amarnath pilgrims, mostly from Gujarat, were killed in Anantnag.
June 2024, a Vaishno Devi-bound bus came under fire in Reasi, killing 10 and injuring 33.
As the nation mourns yet another tragedy, pressure is mounting on the Centre and state administration to move beyond statements and deliver actionable security reforms.
You may also like
'You came here to enjoy': Mehbooba Mufti says 'Kashmir ashamed' after Pahalgam terror attack on tourists
Chris Eubank Jr makes promise to his dad ahead of Conor Benn fight
EasyJet flight forced to make emergency landing after passenger freaks out over 'snakes on plane'
HM Shah meets victims of Pahalgam terror attack, visits ground zero
Panchayat polls: Assam CM to hold three public rallies today
