SRINAGAR: A deadly attack on a tourist bus in the picturesque town of Pahalgam in India-Occupied Kashmir has left at least 20 people feared dead, according to three separate security sources cited by Reuters. The attack took place on Tuesday in one of the region's most visited tourist destinations, sending shockwaves through the local and international community.
While the exact death toll is still unconfirmed, one security source reported 20 fatalities, while another placed the number at 24, and a third suggested as many as 26 could have died. All sources spoke under the condition of anonymity, citing restrictions on sharing information with the media.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the bus, triggering chaos and panic among those nearby. A witness who spoke to Indian broadcaster India Today described the harrowing moment. “The firing happened in front of us,” he said, requesting anonymity. “We thought someone was setting off firecrackers, but when we heard people screaming, we realized what was happening. We just ran for our lives.”
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities have launched a massive search operation in the area to apprehend those involved.
In a strongly worded response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), vowing swift justice. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice … They will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Following the incident, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah announced that he would travel to Kashmir to hold an emergency security review and assess the situation firsthand.
This latest attack has further heightened tensions in the region, which has been under tight control since August 2019, when India revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move allowed the Indian government to impose direct rule and altered the region’s demographics by granting domicile rights to non-residents, prompting widespread protests and international concern.
The tragic attack in Pahalgam marks one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in recent years and has raised serious questions about the ongoing security challenges in the disputed territory.
