Jammu/Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: In what is perceived as a blatant inhuman act, terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, leaving two dead and at least 20 injured. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has sent shockwaves across the nation.

According to reports, there is an Odia among the deceased, as informed by his brother. The man from Ishani village in Balasore district has been identified as Prashant Satpathy, who was at the spot with his wife and eight-year-old son.

A viral video from the scene has captured the harrowing aftermath. In the video, a woman, visibly distraught, pleads for help to save her critically injured husband. Her desperate cries have resonated with viewers, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice. Another survivor recounted how the gunman targeted her husband after declaring he was not a Muslim.

Distressing visuals doing the rounds on social media showed several women pleading for help. "We were having a snack when a person came and shot my husband," said one of them, as another, with blood splattered on her face, looked helplessly at the man recording the video.

Another woman, standing next to a severely injured man, pleaded, "Please save my husband. For god's sake, save him".

The heartbreak continues as another cry for help was heard, "Please, someone take him to the hospital. Please, please help." She was standing next to an injured man with his shirt soaked in blood.

Security forces swiftly launched an operation to track down the attackers, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the act, promising the harshest consequences for those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief and assured full support to the victims.

This attack is a grim reminder of past terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Uri attack in 2016, which claimed numerous lives. The region has long been a target of terrorist activities, despite ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.

The timing of the attack has raised concerns about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees annually. Authorities are now under pressure to reassess security measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

As investigations continue, the nation stands united in condemning this cowardly act and supporting the victims and their families. The Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians.

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