NATION SHOCKED AT MINDLESS TERROR IN J&K

In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, heavily armed terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist meadow near Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 27 people, mostly tourists, and injuring 20 others.

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• At least 27 people, mostly tourists from different parts of India, were killed in popular tourist meadow near Pahalgam

• Among the deceased were two foreign nationals

• The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility

Among the deceased were two foreign nationals and two locals, a senior official confirmed, while Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the final death toll was still being ascertained. He described the assault as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years." The attack occurred around 3 pm at Baisaran, a lush, scenic meadow about six kilometres uphill from Pahalgam, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland'.

As tourists picnicked, took pony rides, or relaxed at local eateries, gunmen suddenly emerged from the surrounding pine forests and opened indiscriminate fire, sending crowds fleeing in panic.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-eTaiba, has claimed responsibility. Security officials suspect the terrorists may have infiltrated from Kishtwar and reached Baisaran via Kokernag in south Kashmir.