24 people died as gunmen fired on tourists in India occupied Kashmir on Tuesday. The unfortunate incident took place in Pahalgam which is a popular tourist spot. Several others were injured and sent to a nearby hospital in Anantnag. Medical personnel said some of the wounded had gunshot wounds including serious injuries to the neck. Witnesses described the attack as shocking and chaotic. Some initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks but soon understood the situation when people around them began to scream and rush for safety.
A local tour guide helped carry injured people to safety using a horse and reported seeing bodies lying on the ground.
The attack took place in a remote meadow and authorities believe two to three gunmen were involved. Although initial TV reports suggested fewer casualties, later security sources claimed the death toll could be between 20 to 26 people.
A group calling itself Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility for the attack. In a social media message, they said they were reacting against the settlement of more than 85,000 people from other parts of India in the region which they called an attempt to change the area population balance. The message threatened more violence against what they referred to as illegal settlers. However the authenticity of the message could not be confirmed.
Political leaders strongly condemned the attack. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called it a cowardly act. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that those responsible would not be spared and said the government fight against terrorism will continue. Home Minister Amit Shah announced he is traveling to Kashmir to lead a security review and assured the public of strict action against the attackers. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the killings heartbreaking and demanded the government take responsibility.
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