New Delhi: At least one person was killed, while 12 others were injured after terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack occurred at Baisaran, a scenic meadow located above the popular tourist town, accessible only by foot or pony rides at around 2.30pm.
According to initial reports, a group of tourists visiting the lush Baisaran valley was fired upon at close range by unidentified gunmen. An eyewitness recounted the harrowing experience, stating that her husband was struck by a bullet to the head, while several others sustained injuries during the ambush.
Two-three terrorists present in the area
Security forces believe that at least two to three terrorists are currently hiding in the forested area near the site of the attack.
Following the incident, local authorities sprang into action, deploying a helicopter to evacuate the injured. In the absence of immediate access to roads, some of the wounded were carried down from the meadows by local residents using ponies.
Twelve injured tourists were admitted to the local hospital in Pahalgam, where medical officials confirmed that all were in stable condition, news agency PTI reported.
Mehbooba Mufti condemns attack
Security forces were quickly dispatched to the area after gunshots were reported. A search operation is currently underway to trace the perpetrators.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned the attack, expressing concern over violence resurfacing in the region just as it has begun to see a revival in tourism.
The incident also casts a shadow over the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3.
