Saudi Arabia condemns deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and left dozens injured.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s resolute stance against all forms of violence, extremism, and attacks targeting civilians.

Saudi Arabia extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with the government and people of India.

The brutal attack, described as the deadliest in India in nearly two decades, occurred on Tuesday in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, often called "mini Switzerland" for its scenic meadows and pine forests.

Approximately 1,000 tourists and 300 local service providers were in the valley when three heavily armed militants launched the assault. 

According to a security official, who spoke anonymously, the attackers fired 60 rounds of ammunition, deliberately sparing women and children but systematically targeting men after separating them from others.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. Asavari Jagdale, from Maharashtra, lost her father, Santosh Jagdale, and uncle in the attack. 

She described how the militants asked her father to recite an Islamic verse. When he could not, they shot him three times, including once in the head. Her uncle was also killed with multiple bullets. “We hid in a tent with other tourists, but they found us,” Asavari told local media.

In a remarkable act of survival, Debasish Bhattacharyya, a Hindu professor from Assam University, credited his knowledge of Islamic verses for saving his life. Familiar with the verses from growing up in a Muslim neighborhood, he recited them when ordered to do so by the militants. 

“Those who failed were killed,” he told Reuters. Bhattacharyya and others fled through a forest for two hours after the attackers left.

The militants, dressed in traditional attire and one reportedly wearing a bodycam, opened fire at three locations across the valley, including eateries and forested areas. Some victims were shot at close range after being taken into the woods. 

Among the deceased was Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony ride operator, who reportedly tried to confront the attackers. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Shah’s bravery, noting that he may have attempted to disarm the gunmen.

The attack struck a popular tourist destination, accessible only by trekking or pony rides, located about 4 km from Pahalgam. 

The valley is known for adventure sports like ziplining and zorbing and serves as a base for trekkers heading to Tulian Lake. Prashant Satpathy, a tourist from Odisha, was among the victims, killed by a bullet to the head moments after completing a zipline ride with his family. “He collapsed before my eyes,” his wife, Priyadarshini, told reporters.

The attack has sent shockwaves through India, with authorities now investigating the identities and motives of the perpetrators. 

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, even in areas frequented by tourists. As the nation mourns, calls for justice and stronger measures against terrorism have intensified.