Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces launch search operation after terrorist attack in Pahalgam

Pahalgam: Security forces began search operations on Wednesday to find the perpetrators behind the terror assault that shook Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing many persons and injuring numerous more.

Since the incident, security has been stepped up; photos taken in the vicinity show the streets in the normally busy tourist area empty. In the wake of the incident, several groups have also called for a jammu bandh. Some visitors have also chosen to shorten their visits due to the sensitive environment in the region.

A Delhi visitor named Sameer Bhardwaj had intended to visit Pahalgam, but he said that he would now be heading back to the National Capital.

“We’ve spent the previous three days in Kashmir. We had intended to go to Pahalgam, but due to the current state of affairs, we are departing for Delhi. This is completely incorrect. This is the first time it has occurred in Pahalgam,” the visitor told the media report.

Shekh Bashir Ahmad, the leader of the National Conference, denounced the assault but also described it as a plot to interfere in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. He said that because the union territories rely on the tourism season, the purpose of this terror assault is to halt the influx of visitors to the region.

“This is a plot to slow down the region’s economy against Jammu and Kashmir. People like these have no faith, and no religion advocates killing people. Holidaymakers had traveled there, but attacks on innocent individuals occurred. This plot should be understood by the people of Jammu & Kashmir (JK). The economy of Jammu and Kashmir depends on tourism, and there is a yatra that is scheduled to take place,” senior National Conference politician Shekh Bashir Ahmad told ANI.

As soon as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Delhi from Saudi Arabia, he met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and other officials for a briefing.

The incident happened earlier Tuesday and was directed at tourists in the Anantnag district’s Pahalgam region. Police officers and security forces, meanwhile, hurried to the scene as soon as the incident occurred. Also, ambulances were sent to the scene.