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| Deadliest terror attack since Art 370 abrogation | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 22: The Kashmir Valley was struck by its most devastating terrorist attack since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, as a brutal assault on unarmed tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley revealed critical lacunas. The unprecedented attack, which claimed lives of 26 tourists and left several others injured, has sparked outrage and raised urgent questions about the safety of tourists during the region’s peak season. The gravity of the incident prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the site, marking a historic first for such an immediate high-level response.
The attack unfolded around 3:30 PM on Tuesday in Baisaran, a serene meadow 3–4 km from Pahalgam’s bustling market in Anantnag district, accessible only by foot or horseback. A group of tourists, enjoying a horse-riding trek, came under fire from 2–3 terrorists, reportedly disguised in army fatigues.
The assailants opened fire at close range, sowing chaos and terror. Eyewitness accounts and unverified social media footage suggest the death toll could climb to five, pending official confirmation.
A female survivor, in a distressing call to the Kashmir Police’s PCR, reported her husband critically injured with a head wound. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with multiple bodies lying motionless. The injured were rushed to Pahalgam hospital, and three critically wounded victims were airlifted to Srinagar for advanced treatment, facilitated by a helicopter due to the area’s remote terrain.
The attack has drawn fierce condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah labeled the perpetrators “inhuman and contemptible,” describing the attack as an “abomination” unmatch A female survivor, in a distressing call to the Kashmir Police’s PCR, reported her husband critically injured with a head wound. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with multiple bodies lying motionless.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar for an emergency security review, pledged “severe repercussions” for those responsible. Briefed by Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed a comprehensive response, including Shah’s visit to the attack site—a first for a Union Home Minister in such circumstances. A high-level meeting in Delhi, involving the Home Ministry, Intelligence Bureau, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, was convened to evaluate the security breach.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha denounced the attack as “cowardly and despicable,” vowing justice for the victims. Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone called the terrorists “enemies of Kashmir’s hospitality,” emphasizing their intent to sabotage the region’s tourism-driven economy.
Security forces have sealed off Baisaran and launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend the attackers. The assault is seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the Valley’s fragile peace and disrupt tourism, particularly with the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3. The timing, amid a thriving tourist season and ongoing Yatra preparations, has intensified scrutiny of potential intelligence and security lapses.
The Kashmir Valley has experienced a notable decline in militancy since Article 370’s revocation, with tourism flourishing. In the first half of 2024, 15.65 lakh visitors flocked to the region, a 20% rise from the previous year, with projections of two crore tourists in 2025. Hotels in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are fully booked, reflecting the Valley’s allure. However, this attack threatens to undermine these achievements. |
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