At Least 26 Killed in Kashmir Shooting Attack in India; "Most Victims Are Tourists"

Mass Shooting Terror Attack in India-Pakistan Disputed Region
At Least 26 Dead and 12 Injured

A mass shooting terror attack occurred in Kashmir, a disputed region between India and Pakistan in northern India, resulting in at least 26 deaths.

Kashmir Mass Shooting Terror Attack. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to CNN on April 22 (local time), a shooting took place in the Baisaran Valley, a well-known tourist destination in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, leaving at least 26 people dead and 12 injured. Most of the 26 fatalities are reported to be tourists.

Reports indicate that the tourists were fired upon by armed assailants. The injured have been transported to major hospitals in the area for treatment. VK Birdi, Chief of Kashmir Police, told CNN that it is not yet confirmed whether any foreigners are among the casualties.

There are also testimonies that the armed attackers fired at tourists from close range. One survivor told Indian news agency PTI, "My husband was shot in the head, and seven others were injured in the attack."

India and Pakistan have been in conflict over the territorial status of Kashmir since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947. Currently, India controls the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, while Pakistan exercises de facto control over the western part of Kashmir. Indian authorities have been in confrontation with armed groups demanding either independence for Kashmir or its incorporation into Pakistan for more than 20 years, during which tens of thousands of people have died.

In particular, violence in the region surged in 2018, and Indian authorities tightened their control over the area by deploying military forces in 2019. Since then, activity by armed groups has decreased, but instability in the region has persisted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims. Through X (formerly Twitter), Modi stated, "Those behind this horrific act will surely face the full force of the law. They will never be forgiven, and their evil designs will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism remains unshaken and will only grow stronger."

US President Donald Trump also condemned the attack. On the social networking service Truth Social, President Trump said, "We pray for the souls of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured," adding, "We extend our full support and deepest condolences to Prime Minister Modi and the wonderful people of India."

US Vice President JD Vance, who is visiting India with his family, also wrote on X, "I extend my deepest condolences for this horrific attack and share in their grief."