At least 26 people were killed in a deadly attack on a group of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, making it one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in recent years, according to police officials.
The attack occurred in the popular summer resort town of Pahalgam, located about 90 kilometers by road from the regional capital Srinagar. Gunmen opened fire on the tourists, causing widespread panic and chaos.
A senior police official confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 26 individuals had been killed.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. However, the region has witnessed a long-running insurgency since 1989, with several militant groups seeking either independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.
The neighboring country, which controls a smaller portion of the disputed region, also claims full sovereignty over Kashmir, as does India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned what he called a heinous act and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. He described the shooting as a direct assault on innocent visitors.
Regional minister Omar Abdullah echoed this sentiment, stating the attack was far more severe than any recent violence against civilians. He emphasized that the perpetrators had committed a despicable act, calling them animals who deserve complete condemnation.
Authorities are still working to confirm the final death toll as rescue and investigation efforts continue.
The attack has reignited concerns over safety in the region, particularly for tourists and civilians.
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