Pahalgam Attack Kills 26, India Suspends Treaty

On April 22, armed militants attacked Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26 people, wounding dozens, and targeting tourists from close range. Tourist Rishi Bhatt inadvertently recorded the attack while ziplining, capturing chaos and a zipline operator, Muzammil, chanting 'Allahu Akbar' before the shooting. The National Investigation Agency interrogated Muzammil, but initial investigations have not established his involvement, and his family claims the chant was a panic reaction. Witnesses said the militants specifically targeted men and spared women, sometimes questioning victims about their religion before shooting. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, leading India to blame Pakistan for the attack, which Pakistan denies. The incident has resulted in heightened security, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a severe impact on Kashmir’s tourism sector.