At least 27 killed in IIOJK as gunmen open fire on tourists

Srinagar (Web Desk): In a horrifying incident in Pahalgam, in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), gunmen opened fire on tourists, leading to the deaths of at least 27 people. 

According to international media reports, the attack, which occurred in the scenic, mountainous region, has been described as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in years.

Witnesses reported hearing what they initially mistook for firecrackers, only to realize the terrifying truth as gunshots rang out, followed by screams and panic. One witness described running for four kilometers to escape the danger, visibly shaken by the ordeal.

The attackers, believed to be two or three in number, reportedly targeted tourists in a remote meadow off the main road. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of fatalities, but the region’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, acknowledged the scale of the attack, calling it far larger than any in recent years.

The nationalities of the victims have not been made public yet, though it's known that in recent years, the region has seen an influx of non-local residents, including tourists, due to changes in local domicile laws.

The violent assault on innocent civilians comes at a time when tensions in Jammu and Kashmir remain high, particularly following India’s revocation of the region's special status in 2019.

This political move has led to significant demographic changes, with thousands of non-locals granted domicile rights, allowing them access to jobs and land.

While attacks on tourists have been rare in recent years, this one marks a grim reminder of the vulnerability of those in the region. A deadly incident earlier in 2024, in which a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims plunged into a gorge following an attack, further highlights the persistent dangers in the area.

On the global stage, the attack has stirred political debate, with former Pakistani diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani who, while talking to a private news channel, highlighted Indian tradition of orchestrating a “false flag” operation drama to distract from its internal security issues.

He said that India often blames Pakistan for such attacks without providing credible evidence, a tactic he claims has been used in previous incidents like the 2000 Chittisinghpura massacre, which was later revealed to have been carried out by Indian intelligence agencies.

The former senior diplomat highlighted that Indian agencies have been implicated in a number of terrorist incidents not just in Pakistan, but also in other countries like Canada. He referenced a past tragedy where over 30 Sikhs lost their lives in IIOJK, an event initially blamed on Pakistan by India.

However, subsequent investigations revealed that the attack was actually carried out by Indian intelligence agencies.

In his remarks, the diplomat stressed the need for the international community to recognize that India has consistently shifted blame onto Pakistan for its own internal challenges.