Militants Target Civilians, Raising Fears of 20+ Deaths

A suspected militant attack in India's Kashmir region on Tuesday has left at least twenty people feared dead, marking the worst such incident in nearly a year. The assailants targeted civilians near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors annually.

The town of Pahalgam is situated near the Chinese border within the predominantly Muslim Kashmir territory, known for its scenic beauty. Injured individuals have been transported to a local hospital, according to police sources. Security sources have indicated that at least twenty fatalities are feared, including at least five tourists.

Police have classified the shooting as a "terror attack," attributing it to militants who oppose Indian rule. Omar Abdullah, the region's top elected official, noted the scale of the attack, stating it was more significant than any recent incidents targeting civilians. Initial reports suggest the gunmen opened fire on Indian tourists visiting Baisaran meadow, a popular sightseeing spot.

The attack occurred during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India. The Himalayan region, which is claimed in its entirety but partially governed by both India and Pakistan, has been plagued by militant violence since an anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989.

Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels' aim of unifying the territory, either under Pakistani control or as an independent nation. While attacks targeting tourists have been infrequent in recent years, they are not unprecedented. The last major attack on visitors occurred in June, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

In 2019, India revoked Kashmir's special status, dividing the state into two federally administered territories. This action led to a deterioration of relations with Pakistan, which also claims the region. India maintains that the Kashmir militancy is a form of terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, a charge Pakistan denies. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces.