25 tourists killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir

NEW DELHI -- At least 25 tourists were killed and several others wounded Tuesday after unknown gunmen fired at them in the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The attack took place in Pahalgam town, about 89 km east of Srinagar city, the summer capital of the Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The ambush was one of the deadliest attacks in the valley in recent years, the New Delhi-based news portal, The Print, quoted its sources in India's defense and security establishment as saying.

The Indian government has not disclosed the death toll officially. However, all the key leaders of the government have condemned the attack and condoled.

Another Indian newspaper, The Hindu, also quoting government sources, said the attack has left at least 25 dead.

Police officers said gunmen opened fire at tourists from a point-blank range at Baisaran meadow.

Immediately after the incident, a police team rushed to the spot, along with army and paramilitary forces, to evacuate the wounded tourists and recover the bodies.

The injured were first brought to a government hospital in Pahalgam and then referred to Anantnag and Srinagar for further treatment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has strongly condemned the attack.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," Modi said in a statement.

He vowed to bring those behind this heinous act to justice, saying their evil agenda will never succeed.

India's federal Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Modi on the incident over phone.

Shah said he held a meeting with concerned officials via video conference and will reach Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the (security) agencies.

The region's incumbent Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and expressed sympathies to the families of the deceased in the deadly incident.

Pahalgam is a famous tourist destination. It is home to the roaring Lidder river, pine forests and lush green meadows, which attract thousands of tourists every year during summer.

Last June, militants attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the region's Reasi district. The bus skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, killing nine and wounding 33 others.

A guerilla war has been going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989.