A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed the lives of 26 people — 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal — and left 17 others injured. The tragic incident has triggered serious concerns over security lapses and religious profiling. Meanwhile, a YouTube short, by popular YouTube channel Panchwa stambh, circulating on social media is shedding further light on the multiple security failures, particularly highlighting the lapses under the BJP-led administration, sparking widespread outrage and debate.
Despite the region’s heavy security presence, gunmen opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Meadow, a popular tourist destination, around 3 p.m. local time. The attackers reportedly asked some victims to recite Islamic declarations before executing them. This has led to questions about intelligence failures and the adequacy of security measures in place.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants targeted victims based on their religion. A tourist woman claimed that a suspect had questioned her about her religion before the attack. This incident has sparked outrage and highlighted concerns about religious profiling and discrimination.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has previously claimed that the region was experiencing a period of normalcy and that tourism was on the rise. However, the recent attack has cast doubt on these assertions and raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s policies in ensuring security.
The attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry, which had seen a resurgence in recent years. The region, once a popular tourist destination, had been experiencing an uptick in visitors following a period of relative calm. However, the recent violence has led to a mass exodus of tourists and widespread cancellations, severely impacting local businesses and the economy.
Among the victims was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a 29-year-old pony operator from Pahalgam. Shah was the sole local resident killed in the attack. Reports indicate that Shah attempted to intervene during the assault, trying to disarm one of the attackers and protect the tourists. His courageous act cost him his life, but it saved many others. Eyewitnesses reported that Shah grabbed the rifle of one of the assailants, sustaining burns to his hands in the process. Despite his injuries, he held onto the weapon until he was fatally shot. His selfless act has been hailed as an example of heroism in the face of terror.
The Pahalgam terror attack has exposed deep-rooted issues related to security, religious profiling, and the economic stability of the region. As investigations continue, it is imperative for authorities to address these concerns and work towards restoring peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
