'Pulwama 2.0 moment': Former J&K DGP says Pahalgam attack was 'Hamas-style'

NEW DELHI: Former Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid on Wednesday claimed that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a " Pulwama 2.0 moment" and said that India must respond back something like how Israel reacts to Hamas' salvos.

While talking to news agency ANI, Vaid said that the terrorist attack at the picnic spot in Pahalgam was similar to October 7 attack carried out by Palestine's terror outfit Hamas in Israel.

"This was a Hamas-style attack on 7 October on Israel. It's not a coincidence that Asim Munir (Pakistan Army chief) uttered illogical words two days back, and then such an attack takes place where the religion of the tourists was asked," the former DGP said.

"Our response should be appropriate, something like how Israel responded," he added.

Vaid also claimed that attack was unleashed by the Pakistan army and called upon people of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and POK to revolt against the Pakistan army's terrorist actions.

"This terror attack was unleashed by the Pakistan army. I have been saying that these are SSG (Special Service Group) commandos of the Pakistan army posing as terrorists. It was a well-planned attack... Let them (Pakistan) be alert! I appeal to all the people from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and POK to revolt against the Pakistan army's terrorist actions and declare independence," Vaid said.

India should break Pakistan army's back and break Pakistan into four parts. All of this is being done under Asim Munir's command... Pakistan army chief wants to escalate the situation. He wants to prove his credentials. Let him first prove his identity," he added.

At least 28 people were killed after terrorists opened fire in group of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam is one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

According to survivors, 6 foreign terrorists dressed in Army fatigues, identified their victims by faith asking them to tell their names and recite Islamic verses before spraying bullets on them from close range.

Gunmen struck around 1:30 p.m. in Baisaran meadow — about 7 km from Pahalgam and reachable either by foot or by horses — as scores of tourists were enjoying a regular afternoon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine forests. Pahalgam's meadow is a top sightseeing spot that draws hundreds of visitors daily. Heavy security presence, including checkpoints and armed patrols, provided a sense of security.