Death Toll Rises to At Least 24 in Gunmen Attack in Indian-Administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Confirms BBC
The BBC has confirmed that the death toll from the gunmen attack in Pahalgam, a region in Indian-administered Kashmir, has risen to at least 24.
International news agency Reuters has also reported the same.
However, BBC's local correspondent Majid Jahangir and Indian news agency ANI have stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government has yet to release any official statement regarding the number of casualties.
The attack took place at a tourist resort in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination currently experiencing peak tourist season.
Among the tourists was a resident from Gujarat who reported that the attack happened suddenly. "Everyone started running. There was screaming and crying all around," he said.
Some extremely distressing videos filmed by tourists themselves are being aired by Indian media.
In those videos, Indian army personnel can be seen rushing to the attack site. Another video broadcast by Indian media reportedly shows gunmen identifying non-Muslims separately.
Following the attack, the army launched an operation in the area. India's Home Minister Amit Shah has headed to Srinagar to assess the security situation.
A special helpline has been set up by the administration to assist tourists.
Meanwhile, Indian political leaders have strongly condemned the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement, wrote:
“Those behind this heinous act will face severe punishment. They will not be spared.”
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am stunned. Since the number of fatalities hasn’t been officially confirmed, I won’t go into specifics. Once the situation becomes clear, the government will share the details. It’s evident that this is the biggest recent attack on civilians.”
Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote:
“The cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that has claimed the lives of tourists and injured many others is deeply condemnable and heartbreaking.”
