Pakistan voices concern over deadly Kashmir tourist bus attack

Pakistan has expressed concern over Tuesday's attack on a tourist bus in Indian administered Kashmir that killed at least 26 people.

“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said a spokesman from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

"We extend our condolences to the near one of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the spokesman added.

The attack took place in the scenic town of Pahalgam, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) from Srinagar, when gunmen opened fire on tourists. A senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the death toll.

Modi condemns 'heinous act'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “heinous act” and vowed the attackers “will be brought to justice.” Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut short a dinner and returned to New Delhi, according to Indian news agency ANI.

The killings occurred a day after Modi met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on a four-day visit to India.

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Indian administered Kashmir, described the attack as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," adding that the death toll was "still being ascertained."

"This attack on our visitors is an abomination," he said in a statement. "The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.

Trump offers support

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences for the victims of the attack.

“The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump also offered Washington's full support in the fight against terrorism.

Eye witness account

A tour guide who arrived at the scene shortly after the gunfire told AFP he helped transport the injured on horseback.

"I saw a few men lying on the ground looking like they were dead," said Waheed, who gave only one name.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars – in 1948, 1965, and 1971 – two of them over Kashmir.

Also, in the Siachen glacier in northern Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani troops have fought intermittently since 1984. A cease-fire came into effect in 2003.

In August 2019, India scrapped the long-standing semi-autonomous status of the disputed valley, a controversial move that prompted Islamabad to downgrade its diplomatic mission and halt trade with New Delhi.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting for independence.

Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.

* With input from AFP