Tragic Resort Attack in South Kashmir Leaves 26 Tourists Dead, Marking Escalation in Regional Conflict

In a tragic incident on Tuesday, gunmen attacked a resort in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 tourists. This area, known for its scenic meadows, became the site of a significant escalation in the regional conflict, which has largely spared tourists in the past. According to police reports, multiple gunmen targeted the tourists at close range, leading to a high number of casualties.

Two senior police officers, who requested anonymity, informed the Associated Press that at least 20 bodies had been recovered following the attack. The officers described the assailants as militants and confirmed that they fired upon the tourists from a short distance. The attack has been labeled a “terror attack” by the police, who attribute it to militants opposing Indian rule in the region.

The majority of the victims were identified as Indian tourists. The incident has drawn attention from both Indian and international media, highlighting the severity of the attack. It marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in the region, as tourists have not typically been the targets of such violence.

Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, expressed his concerns on social media, noting the unprecedented scale of the attack on civilians in recent years. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in Indian-controlled Kashmir and raises concerns about the safety of civilians and tourists in the area.