Pahalgam Massacre: Intelligence Failure Deepens as Local Resident Among 26 Killed
Pahalgam, Kashmir – The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam has claimed the lives of 26 people, the majority of whom were tourists, marking the deadliest incident in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The attack, which occurred in the popular meadow of Baisaran, also known as 'mini Switzerland,' has triggered widespread condemnation and a groundswell of support for a bandh (strike) called for Wednesday by various organizations.
"This Bandh is not just a shutdown," the FCIK stated, "it is a message of unity, resilience, and remembrance."
District President Grez, Muhammad Hamza Lone, echoed the outrage, expressing his condolences and asserting that "hell is waiting for those who killed innocent tourists." He conveyed solidarity with the affected tourists and called for unity against terror.
Initial reports indicate that the 26 fatalities include two foreign nationals and two locals, with the identification of Syed Hussain Shah adding a local dimension to the tragedy. Over 20 people sustained injuries in the indiscriminate firing by terrorists in Baisaran, a scenic spot frequented by tourists for its natural beauty and recreational activities like pony rides and picnics.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The news of the attack prompted immediate action from the highest levels of the Indian government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, and has since departed for Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review with various intelligence and security agencies.
"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir," the Prime Minister stated on X.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of terror as gunfire shattered the tranquility of the afternoon. Panic ensued as tourists scrambled for safety in the open meadow. One survivor recounted how terrorists reportedly asked for names before opening fire.
Given the limited accessibility of Baisaran, with travel possible only on foot or by horse, helicopters were deployed to evacuate the injured. Local residents also assisted in the evacuation using their ponies. The entire district administration and police force were mobilized, and ambulances were pressed into service.
Security forces, including the Army, CRPF, and local police, swiftly launched a massive anti-terrorist operation to apprehend the assailants.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock and disbelief, describing the attack as "much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years" and an "abomination."
Altaf Ahmad Wani, National Conference MLA from Pahalgam, condemned the attack as "cowardly" and against Islamic teachings.
The attack has had an immediate impact on the tourism sector, with Pahalgam town, which was bustling with tourists earlier in the day, falling into complete silence as visitors began to leave. This tragedy strikes at a time when Kashmir was witnessing a resurgence in tourism after years of militancy.
This latest incident tragically revisits the vulnerability of tourists in the region, recalling past attacks such as the 2000 Amarnath base camp attack in Pahalgam and subsequent attacks on pilgrims in the area. The targeting of tourists in Baisaran underscores a significant intelligence and security lapse, raising serious questions about the repeated assurances of a secure environment in Kashmir and the ability of security forces to prevent such large-scale attacks. The loss of both tourists and a local resident further emphasizes the devastating impact of this violence on the region.
