A recent militant attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed the lives of 26 individuals. In response, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has cut short her official visit to the United States.
Following the attack, panic has gripped the region, prompting many tourists to leave Kashmir. According to tour operators at Srinagar Airport, a large number of domestic tourists are now rushing to depart. Many vehicles were seen heading toward the airport.
However, BBC correspondent Yogita Limaye reported seeing several domestic tourists arriving on her flight from Mumbai who had not canceled their plans. In contrast, other BBC reporters traveling from Delhi observed relatively empty flights to the region.
On Tuesday, in protest of the Pahalgam attack, all business establishments and educational institutions across Kashmir were shut down. Public transportation services have also been disrupted.
The attack is under investigation, with India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) having already deployed a team to Srinagar. More investigative teams are expected to follow, and top Indian security officials will visit the site.
Finance Minister Sitharaman, who was on an 11-day tour to the U.S. and Peru for meetings with the IMF, World Bank, and G20 officials, is expected to return to India shortly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier also shortened his trip to Saudi Arabia and returned on Wednesday morning in light of the developments.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army claimed it foiled another militant attack in Baramulla district, about 140 kilometers from Pahalgam. According to military sources, two suspected militants were killed during a gunfight near the Line of Control (LoC). A large cache of arms and ammunition was reportedly recovered.
The situation in Kashmir remains tense, with heightened security measures and widespread concern among locals and tourists alike.