Srinagar, April 22 (NVI) Suspected Pakistani terrorists today carried out a massacre in the scenic Pahalgam in Kashmir, killing at least 27 tourists and injuring 12 others.
The terrorists, numbering 4, struck in Baisaran area of Pahalgam at around lunch time when a large group of tourists, including women, were enjoying the beauty of the place, officials said.
While some were having snacks at an eatery, some others were just loitering when the terrorists arrived on the scene, according to eye witnesses.
The area where the terrorists struck is a trekking zone, away from the main Pahalgam town.
The tourists were from various parts of the country, including Delhi and Karnataka. They included some newly-married couples, possibly on honeymoon travel.
Among the dead was Manjunath from Shivamoga in Karnataka, who was on a vacation with his wife Pallavi and minor son.
“I think, it happened around 1.30 pm….Three to four people attacked us…. He (Manjunath) died on the spot, in front of my eyes… It still feels like a bad dream,” said a distraught Pallavi as she was trying to come to terms with the reality.
“I told them – kill me too. You’ve already killed my husband. One of them said, ‘I won’t kill you. Go tell this to Modi’,” she added.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on X, condemned the attack. “Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident. Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials. I have also spoken to the Resident Commissioner in Delhi,” he wrote.
“We are closely monitoring the developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected,” he wrote.
Considering the gravity of the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Kashmir to take stock of the situation after speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from today.
