Pak Must Help India to Track Terrorists: Vance

Terrorists responsible for the recent deadly assault in Jammu and Kashmir must be hunted down and dealt with," Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday, urging Pakistan to cooperate with India in tracking down those behind the Pahalgam terror attack.

- JAYANTH JACOB @ New Delhi

The incident, which claimed 5 lives including a Nepali national and a local, took place in Aisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination.

"Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict," Vance said during a podcast interview with Fox News. "And we hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they're responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with."

The attack triggered panic as multiple gunmen opened fire on tourists in the open meadow, leaving people scrambling for cover in an area with little protection. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as shouts echoed through the lush hills.

Asked whether he was concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Vance said, "Sure, I am worried about any time you see a hotspot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers. We have obviously been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan."