Infiltration bid thwarted in Uri sector, ruthless attack on tourists in Pahalgam

The Indian Army has thwarted an infiltration bid in the Uri sector of north Kashmir. In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the army thwarted an attempt by 2-3 unidentified militants to cross into Indian territory along the Line of Control in Sarjeevan area of ​​Baramulla. Two militants were gunned down in the crossfire and a huge amount of weapons, ammunition and war equipment was seized from the location. The army announced that the operation is ongoing.

A day earlier to this attempt of infiltration, a ruthless attack by militants was witnessed in Baisaran, a resort area in south Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which a minimum of 26 individuals were killed and several others injured. Baisaran, which is only accessible on foot, has long been a favorite among tourists, particularly in the summers. 

Tuesday's terror attack continues to spread throughout the valley. The probe has brought forth a stupefying piece of information – four terrorists, who were dressed in military fatigues, suddenly fired at the tourists. Eyewitnesses said they initially asked for their identity and, after verifying, fired at the men and released the women without uttering another word. 50 to 70 used cartridges were recovered at the scene, including used shell cases of an American M4 carbine rifle and an AK-47.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a Saudi Arabian visit, cut short his visit upon hearing news of the ghastly attack and came back home on Wednesday morning and convened a high-level meeting to review the situation.

Police are of the opinion that the militants were present in the Bysaran region for quite some time. A tourist woman described, "They were there for at least 20 minutes. They were walking, firing, but there was no hurry."

Meanwhile, this is the first big terrorist strike in a year in which tourists have been specifically targeted. In May last year, two tourists were hurt in another attack in Pahalgam.

The two episodes have resulted in an escalated security environment in the Kashmir Valley. A vigil has been mounted along the border districts, and more forces have been posted in holiday spots.

The recent episodes have not only exacerbated security fears, but have also placed a shadow on the aspiration of normalcy in Kashmir.