SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): At least 26 tourists have been killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to the Indian media, the attack occurred in Baisaran Valley on Tuesday, resulting in the killing of more than two dozen tourists, including foreign nationals, and injuring several others.
In a post on X, Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the death toll is still being ascertained, and will be announced officially later.
Earlier in the day, Indian troops had launched a cordon and search operation in the area, and after the attack, additional forces were rushed to the spot, Kashmir Media Service reported.
The attack comes at a time when US Vice President JD Vance is on a four-day visit to India.
It is worth mentioning that in 2000, during the visit of then U.S. President Bill Clinton to India, Indian agencies orchestrated the Chattisinghpora massacre to malign the Kashmiris’ freedom movement. The incident resulted in the killing of nearly three dozen innocent Sikhs.
