DAINIK NATION BUREAU/PAHALGAM
A horrifying act of terror unfolded in the serene valleys of Pahalgam, where militants targeted innocent tourists, turning a peaceful retreat into a nightmare. According to eyewitnesses the attackers asked the victims to recite the Kalma—an Islamic declaration of faith. By doing this terrorists confirmed their Muslim identity and those who failed to do so were shot.
The shocking incident occurred late in the evening when gunmen stormed a tourist area, catching several families off guard. Survivors recounted how the attackers, armed and masked, asked individuals to recite the Kalma in order to “prove” their religion. Panic and confusion gripped the area as many tourists, including women and children, pleaded for their lives.
One survivor, visibly shaken, said, “They asked us to recite the Kalima. I froze. I didn’t know what it was… I thought we would all die.”
Officials confirmed that several tourists were killed in the attack, and many others are being treated for serious injuries. The police and paramilitary forces have launched a massive manhunt to nab the culprits and restore peace in the region.
This horrifying incident has drawn nationwide outrage, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning the act. The targeted killings have raised fresh concerns over the safety of tourists in Kashmir and the growing trend of using religious profiling as a method of violence.
Pahalgam, known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment, has long been a favored destination for travelers. But the recent act of barbarism has left a dark scar on the region’s reputation and underscored the fragile state of peace in the Valley.
Security has been heightened across the region, and investigations are underway. Authorities have vowed strict action against the perpetrators and reassured citizens of enhanced protection.