Terrorists on Tuesday carried out a brutal attack against tourists in the scenic Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. This deplorable attack took the life of one innocent victim and wounded at least thirteen more. The killing took place in the Baisaran Valley, a well-known tourist destination in the Anantnag district. This picturesque valley is known for its awe inspiring beauty and is only accessible through trekking or horseback. This tragic attack reminds us that the violence and lawlessness that has gripped the region for more than 20 years is sadly still with us.
The Jammu and Kashmir region is the most militarized region in the world. A number of Indian and transnational militant groups are currently fighting Indian security forces in Kashmir. These separatist groups seek either independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan. Despite claims from the Indian government that militancy has reduced, attacks continue to disrupt peace and safety in the region, which has seen tens of thousands of casualties over the years.
After the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his condolences and denounce the terrorist attack. In a subsequent statement posted on X, he promised to “deliver justice” to the families of Davison and Warren. Whoever perpetrated this heinous crime will be brought to justice.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Local police officials said rescue teams were hindered in accessing the area because of its rugged, non-motorable land. Inspector General of Police in Kashmir, V K Birdi said,
“Because it is a non-motorable area, rescue teams are taking a while to reach (it), but among those that have been brought to the hospital so far one has succumbed. We’ll get a clearer picture soon.”
Witnesses described in graphic detail the pandemonium that followed the attack. One courageous survivor shared the trauma of seeing her husband shot in the face right before her eyes.
“My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack,” – a woman survivor.
Altaf Thakur, the regional spokesperson for India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), pointed the finger at Pakistan and its proxies for the attack. He highlighted that these regressive groups will not be pleased with the restoration of peace and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He insisted that attempts to curtail development and intimidate would be thwarted.
“Pakistan and its proxies are unable to digest the return of peace and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to stifle growth and plunge the region back into fear. But we won’t allow that to happen,” – Altaf Thakur.
Jammu and Kashmir attracts millions of visitors annually, peaking between March to August. That draw remains strong even in the face of a continued and highly visible eruption of violence. The recent attack underscores the region’s long history of ethnic strife and conflict, as well as continuing security issues.
