In a horrifying incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists in the Beysaran Valley on Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least 26 people.
Terror Attack: The carnage that unfolded Tuesday in the picturesque valleys of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the nation. This attack appears not only to be a conspiracy preceding the Amarnath Yatra but also a brutal assault on the values of humanity and brotherhood. Following the Pulwama attack, this is the largest terrorist attack to date, claiming the lives of 26 innocent people, including women, children, elderly individuals, and foreign tourists.
The Horror of the Attack: When Identity Became a Death Sentence
Around 3 PM on Tuesday, chaos erupted in Pahalgam's Beysaran Valley when terrorists, dressed in army uniforms, suddenly opened fire on tourists. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers initially appeared peaceful, mingling near pony riders and food stalls. However, they suddenly drew their weapons and began questioning people about their names, religion, and identity cards.
Those who could not recite the Islamic declaration of faith (Kalima) were shot on the spot. Asavari Jagdale, a young woman from Pune, recounted how her father, Santosh Jagdale, was dragged from his tent, forced to recite the Kalima, and then shot three times in the head and back when he could not.
Even Newlyweds Didn't Escape the Barbarity
The brutality of the attack is evident in the fact that many of the victims were newlywed couples. Navy officer Vinay Narwal, married just six days prior, was on his honeymoon in Pahalgam. Similarly, Shubham Dwivedi from Kanpur had married only two and a half months ago. These joyous occasions were tragically cut short by the terrorists' cruelty.
IB Officer Also Targeted
Among the victims was Manish Ranjan, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer stationed in Hyderabad. A Bihar resident, he was visiting Pahalgam with his family. His wife and children are currently in shock. Most horrifyingly, the terrorists forced victims to remove their clothes to check their religious identity, targeting non-Muslims.
One woman recounted how her husband was shot in the head after revealing his name and being identified as a non-Muslim. This incident has evoked memories of the tragic persecution of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, where people were targeted based on their religious identity.
CCS Meeting; PM Expresses Strong Condemnation
Upon receiving news of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and return to India. His meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was delayed by two hours. Immediately upon returning to Delhi, PM Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to immediately proceed to Kashmir and take necessary action.
A crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has been convened in Delhi to discuss the situation in Kashmir and potential retaliatory measures.
TRF Claims Responsibility
Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by "The Resistance Front" (TRF), a group linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Security experts believe this attack is a premeditated conspiracy aimed at disrupting the Amarnath Yatra, spreading communal tension in the country, and damaging India's international image.
Jammu is observing a complete shutdown in protest against the attack. Numerous social and political organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the High Court Bar Association, have supported the shutdown. Vigorous anti-terrorism slogans and rallies are being organized on the streets of Jammu. Several private schools and colleges have declared precautionary holidays.
A Shameful Act Against Humanity: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi bly condemned this inhumane attack, stating, "I bly condemn the terrorist attack. My condolences to those who lost their lives. All necessary help will be provided to the affected. Those behind this incident will be brought to justice. Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism will not waver but become ber."
Following the Pulwama attack, India delivered a b message through airstrikes in Balakot. The question now arises: will there be a b response again, or will the matter be limited to condemnation and mourning?
