India increases security in Kashmir following tourist attack
Thousands of armed police and soldiers have been stationed throughout the region, setting up additional checkpoints, inspecting vehicles, and questioning former militants, according to reports
Security forces have been deployed extensively across Indian-administered Kashmir after an attack claimed the lives of at least 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The assault, one of the deadliest in recent years in the troubled region, has triggered a massive search operation for those responsible.
As authorities began their investigation, shops and businesses across Kashmir shut down in protest, following appeals from local political and religious groups.
Thousands of armed police and soldiers have been stationed throughout the region, setting up additional checkpoints, inspecting vehicles, and questioning former militants, according to reports.
Police labeled the incident a "terrorist attack" and attributed it to militants opposing Indian rule. No group has claimed responsibility yet.
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International Reaction and Pakistan's Response
Condemnation poured in globally after the rare attack targeting tourists. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short a trip to Saudi Arabia, returning to New Delhi early Wednesday.
While some Indian media outlets and commentators accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sympathy for the victims and voiced concern over the loss of innocent lives.
According to officials, the victims included 24 Indian tourists, one person from Nepal, and a local guide. Seventeen others were injured.
Separately, Indian troops reported killing two suspected militants in Baramulla district near the Line of Control during an infiltration attempt from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. There has been no independent verification of the incident.
Tourism Under Threat Despite Efforts to Promote Normalcy
Despite several past attacks on non-locals, tourism in Kashmir had been thriving since New Delhi revoked the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019 and tightened its grip over civil liberties and the press.
The government has promoted the increase in tourism as a sign of normalisation. The region has drawn millions seeking the beauty of the Himalayan landscapes and houseboats, despite the omnipresent security measures. However, Tuesday's violence shook that fragile calm, prompting many tourists to leave the region abruptly.
One tourist from Kolkata, Monojit Debnath, expressed concern over safety, saying his family no longer felt secure in Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah, a regional political leader, shared his sadness over tourists leaving after the attack but acknowledged their fears.
Government Vows Retaliation
Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited Srinagar on Wednesday, paid tribute to the victims and met with grieving families. At the attack site in Baisaran near Pahalgam, Shah pledged strict action against those responsible.
Security forces continued their operations in the surrounding mountainous terrain, using helicopters and advanced surveillance to track down the attackers. The army emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice.
Ongoing Conflict in a Divided Region
Kashmir remains a deeply disputed territory between India and Pakistan, both of which claim it entirely. Since 1989, a separatist insurgency has challenged Indian authority in the region, with many Muslim residents supporting independence or unification with Pakistan.
India has blamed Pakistan for backing the insurgency, a claim Islamabad denies, while many Kashmiris see the resistance as a legitimate struggle.
India's strong military presence in Kashmir has been criticized by human rights organizations for abuses including arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings.
Major past incidents include the 2000 massacre of 35 civilians during a visit by US President Bill Clinton and a 2019 car bombing that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Pulwama, nearly triggering war between the two nations.
While violence in the Kashmir Valley has declined recently, militant activity has intensified in the neighboring Jammu region, with deadly clashes in districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua.
