How terrorists attacked tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam; Pakistan issues statement

At least 26 people died and 17 others were injured when terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist spot in the Pahalgam region of India's Jammu and Kashmir.

As security forces hunt for the perpetrators, here is a look at what happened, and how India has reacted.

• Where did the attack take place?

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The incident occurred in Baisaran valley, a popular tourist spot in the Himalayan territory that is touted to be a mini-Switzerland because of the lush pine forests that surround it and its pristine landscape.

It comes at a time when Kashmir sees a particularly high footfall of tourists because of the spring season, and authorities say about 1,000 people were in the area when the militants opened fire.

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The attackers were dressed in traditional long shirts and loose trousers and one of them was wearing a bodycam, one security source said, adding that there were about 1,000 tourists and about 300 local service providers and workers when the attack took place.

They opened fire at three spots in Baisaran valley which is popular among tourists for its lush meadows and pristine landscape surrounded by dense pine forests on all sides.

Visitors have to trek or hire ponies to reach the spot where there are adventure sports facilities such as ziplining and zorbing.

• Who are the Pahalgam terror victims?

Among the dead — all men — are 25 Indians and one Nepalese national. The attack also left 17 injured.

• Who carried out the attack?

Indian security agencies say Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media message where it expressed discontent ar "outsiders" being settled in the region. According to Indian agency, the group is a front for Pakistan-based militant organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan has said it only provides moral and diplomatic support to the insurgency in Kashmir.

"We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives," Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement. "We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Pakistan has previously denied India's allegations that it helps separatists in Kashmir, saying it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris seeking self-determination.

• What action authorities are taking?

Hundreds of security forces rushed to the Pahalgam area soon after the attack and a massive combing operation was launched in the forests there, two security sources told Reuters. About 100 people suspected to have been militant sympathisers in the past were called to police stations and questioned, they added. Police also released sketches of three of the four suspected attackers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those behind the attack "will not be spared", and cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia, returning to India on Wednesday to hold a meeting with senior officials, including the national security adviser.

Home (Interior) Minister Amit Shah is in Kashmir to take stock of the situation. He visited the site of the attack on Wednesday morning and also met relatives of the victims.

• How have tourists reacted?

Visitors are scrambling to flee Kashmir after the attack, and airlines have organised extra flights to facilitate their travel.

"In the aftermath of the incident in Pahalgam, there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in an advisory to all airlines. "Airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights."

India's flight regulator also said there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes, and requested airlines to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees for them.