New Delhi, India — A deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday left at least 26 people dead and injured more than a dozen, marking a severe escalation in violence against civilians in the volatile region. The shooting occurred in Pahalgam, a popular destination within the Jammu-Kashmir territory, amid the visit of a high-ranking U.S. official to India, reminiscent of past attacks that coincided with international diplomatic visits.
Authorities have described the incident as a terror attack, attributing it to militants opposed to Indian governance in the area. As of now, no group has publicly claimed responsibility for the violence that unfolded.
This tragic event is the latest in a long history of conflict in Kashmir, a region disputed by India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. Both countries administer parts of the territory but claim it in full. Militant groups have been active for decades, often targeting symbols of the Indian state and civilians to further their objectives of either independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.
The region has witnessed numerous high-profile attacks over the past 25 years. For instance, just before the arrival of then-President Bill Clinton in India in March 2000, gunmen killed 36 Sikhs in Chittisinghpora, leading to widespread international condemnation. The culprits of the attack remain unidentified, with various groups being blamed over time.
Similarly, during the annual Hindu pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra, militants have staged multiple attacks, including the deadliest in August 2000, which resulted in 32 deaths. The pilgrimage has been a recurrent target, with attacks also recorded in 2001, 2002, and as recently as 2017.
The legislative complex in Srinagar was another significant target when a suicide bomber killed at least 36 people on October 1, 2001. Subsequent years saw continuous strife, such as the 2002 attack on an army station in Kaluchak during a visit by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christina B. Rocca, where three militants killed 36 people after hijacking a bus.
In more recent years, the conflict has included attacks from groups based outside of India. On March 23, 2003, militants suspected to be from Jaish-e-Mohammed, a group based in Pakistan, killed 24 Kashmiri Hindus in Nadimarg village. The group was also blamed for an attack in September 2016 in Uri, which resulted in the deaths of 19 Indian soldiers.
In perhaps one of the deadliest recent attacks, a car bomb was detonated by a Jaish-e-Mohammad militant in Pulwama on February 14, 2019, claiming the lives of 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.
The pattern of violence underscores the profound security challenges in Kashmir, where geopolitical interests and local grievances contribute to a sustained cycle of conflict. Despite periodic peace initiatives and domestic efforts to stabilize the region, Kashmir continues to be a flashpoint, attracting international attention and involving multiple actors across the security and political spectrum.
The human cost of this conflict remains substantial, with civilians frequently caught in the crossfire. Tuesday’s attack demonstrates the enduring vulnerability of non-combatants and the complex, entrenched nature of Kashmir’s security dilemma. As stakeholders grapple with responses, the priority remains the safeguarding of innocent lives amidst a protracted and bitter conflict.