Indian officials have stepped up their hunt for gunmen after a vicious attack in Pahalgam, in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir attack. The attack killed 26 men and is one of the deadliest in the region in recent years.
Security Forces Mobilise to Track Down Attackers
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have initiated a mass manhunt. Soldiers were deployed to man important checkpoints, patrol weakly guarded routes, and carry out searches in nearby forests. The officials suspect the assailants took advantage of the landscape to make their escape.
Prime Minister Modi Condemns the Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his official trip to Saudi Arabia to head back home and tackle the crisis. In a public address, he decried the attack as a “heinous act” and reassured the country that the perpetrators “will be brought to justice.”
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Kashmir Resistance Group Claims Responsibility
A relatively unknown militant organisation, Kashmir Resistance, took responsibility on a social media page. According to the organisation, the attack was a response to the increasing settlement of more than 85,000 “outsiders” in the valley. They claimed that this was an intentional act to change the demography of Kashmir.
Public Mourning and Candlelight Vigils
Across the region, citizens have organised candlelight vigils in honour of the victims. In towns and big cities, mourners congregated to express solidarity with the bereaved families. Protesters also took to the streets, calling for transparency and accountability by the authorities.
Heightened Tensions in the Region
The incident has once again tensed up the already volatile situation in Kashmir. Political activists and politicians are saying that unabated violence could derail initiatives towards peace in the region. A lot of voices have been demanding that the Indian government reconsider its strategy towards security and regional integration.
International Community Watches Closely
As the international spotlight shifted to Kashmir again, global commentators and human rights groups called for restraint and accountability. The horrific assault and what this means for the stability of the region have already raised the hackles of several foreign capitals.
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