News of the attack came as Narendra Modi took oath as prime minister for a record-equalling third term and drew criticism from the main opposition Congress party. "This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir," opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said on X. The Himalayan region, which is also claimed by Pakistan, has been roiled by militant violence since the start of an anti-Indian insurgency in 1989. The last major attack on Hindu pilgrims in the region happened in 2017 when a bus was targeted, killing eight people. A state official earlier said at least 10 pilgrims were feared dead.
