Kashmir is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. The whole border between the two countries leads to skirmishes on a regular basis. Both India and Pakistan claim the whole of Kashmir as theirs.
The attack occurred in the India controlled part of Kashmir.
It happens as JD Vance is visiting India. It is being blamed on militants against Indian rule of region
One report has a policeman saying that two or three men just opened fire on a crowd of people. At least three dozen more were wounded hit at close range.
First reports had the gunmen shooting into a crowd of mostly Indian tourists at the Baisaran meadow 3 miles from Pahalgam.
Pahalgam in lower left area.
Baisaran Valley
The meadow is a top sightseeing destination surrounded by snow covered mountains.
Donald Trump put out out a post on Truth Social.
Police and military have cordoned off the area and are in search of the perpetrators.
JD Vance also responded.
I just wish he hadn't used the phrase "thoughts and prayers," the vapid response when there are mass shootings in our own country. I suppose it's appropriate.
Prime Minister Modi is cutting short his trip to Saudi Arabia and returning to deal with the aftermath.
Reports now from survivors now say it was three or four men in "uniform" came out of the forest and asked their names. They thought they were policemen. Then, they suddenly started shooting the men, some at close range, and left women unharmed. Those who tried to flee were gunned down
The whole region is on high alert and there are already protests forming in various locations.
Security forces had killed three militants on April 10-11 not far from this attack. They recovered a large cache of ammunition and firearms including M-4 and AK-47 rifles, as well as explosives.
Indian officials of all stripes have condemned the attack. This could cause a flareup in tensions between India and Pakistan, whose relations have never been good. In the map above the Line of Control is the area of constant fighting between the two countries. It could get much worse if the terrorists turn out to be Pakistani. No one is pointing fingers yet, except for protesters.
