Farooq Tantary (CNI)

Veteran politician and former Sadre Riyasat, Dr. Karan Singh has condemned the recent Pahalgam militant attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, as a deeply disturbing development, calling it a meticulously planned assault designed to strike at the heart of Kashmir’s economy and morale.

Describing the incident as “extremely shocking,” Dr. Singh said this may be the first time that tourists have been directly targeted in such a brutal manner in the Valley. “Previously, attacks were focused on security personnel, but this deliberate targeting of innocent tourists is a dangerous shift in strategy,” he remarked.

He noted that the attack appeared to be the result of detailed planning over several days, which points to a sinister intent not only to cause loss of life but to damage the region’s critical tourism sector. “The people of Kashmir depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood. Attacking tourists is not just an attack on human life but on the economic fabric of the Valley,” Singh said.

The comments come at a time when the Valley is reeling from the horror of the Pahalgam killings. The attack has prompted widespread condemnation, protest shutdowns by locals, and a multi-agency search operation across the region.

Dr. Singh urged both the government and civil society to ensure such incidents do not derail peace efforts in Kashmir. “We must not allow the forces of violence to succeed in their aim of spreading fear and sabotaging harmony,” he added. (CNI)