A shooting terror attack occurred in northern Kashmir, India, on the 22nd (local time). This area is a disputed region between India and Pakistan.
The AFP reported that on the same day, an assailant carried out an indiscriminate shooting terror attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, a resort area in Indian-administered Kashmir. AFP cited police sources stating that at least 24 people have lost their lives.
Authorities noted, "The exact number of victims is being confirmed," and referred to the perpetrators of the attack as "inhuman and despicable beasts." Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said on X (formerly Twitter), "This attack is the largest scale against civilians in recent years."
The attack is presumed to be a terror act by armed groups opposing Indian governance in the region. An armed group known as the "Kashmir Resistance Movement" claimed responsibility for the incident through social media, expressing dissatisfaction over the settlement of more than 85,000 outsiders, stating, "Violence will be directed at those attempting illegal settlements."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "Evil intentions will never succeed," adding, "Our resolve to fight against terror will remain unshaken and grow stronger."
Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought several wars over the territorial dispute in Kashmir but have not resolved the issue, dividing the region. Currently, India governs the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, while Pakistan effectively controls the western part of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, where the terror attack occurred, is under Indian control but has a majority Muslim population.
Armed groups operating in this region demand that Indian-administered Kashmir be incorporated into Pakistan or that all of Kashmir should become an independent state.