25 killed in tourist shooting in occupied Kashmir

Srinagar: At least 25 people have been killed and several others injured in a shooting incident by unidentified gunmen at the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The death toll is feared to rise due to the severity of injuries.

According to Indian media reports, the gunmen opened indiscriminate fire in Pahalgam and fled the scene. The attackers, reportedly dressed in police uniforms, numbered between two and three. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

Kashmir Media Service reports that the assailants targeted tourists enjoying the scenic meadows of Baisaran. Initially, five tourists were reported dead and 20 seriously injured. However, due to inadequate emergency response, the death toll later climbed to 25.

Indian-occupied Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “deeply tragic” and one of the deadliest in recent years targeting tourists.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah, directing immediate action. Shah is reported to be en route to Srinagar to assess the situation and will chair an emergency security review meeting with all agencies.

Indian Media Propaganda

Former Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani has criticized India for its “false flag” tactics, saying that India frequently blames Pakistan for incidents without any proof.

While talking to a private news channel, Jilani said India uses media propaganda to shift attention away from the security situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He pointed out that whenever an incident occurs, India accuses Pakistan without providing any evidence.

Jilani also reminded the public of past incidents, such as the killing of over 30 Sikhs in IIOJK, which India initially blamed on Pakistan. However, investigations later revealed that the 2000 Chittisinghpura massacre was carried out by Indian intelligence agencies themselves.

He emphasized the need to convince the international community that India has a habit of blaming Pakistan to cover up its own internal issues and instability.