Sun Apr 27 13:27:59 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Questions Narrative of Targeted Killings in Pahalgam Terror Attack
**Belagavi, Karnataka –** A Karnataka minister has cast doubt on the assertion that terrorists in the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir specifically targeted victims based on their religion. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, R. B. Thimmapur dismissed the idea that attackers took the time to identify victims’ religious affiliations before killing them.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including two foreign tourists. Terrorists opened fire on approximately 40 tourists at Baisaran meadows, using both automatic rifles and small arms. Reports suggest the terrorists checked the identities of victims before shooting them at close range.
Thimmapur suggested that the focus on religious targeting is a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from a potential intelligence failure. He accused certain leaders of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, stating that the BJP, in particular, has a history of using such incidents to their advantage.
The minister also addressed other issues, including the concerns raised by various communities regarding data collected by the Karnataka state backward class commission and the need for the state government to address internal reservation among Scheduled castes. He further urged the central government to allow states to sell their sugar stocks to ensure timely payments to farmers. The Pahalgam attack marks the first major terrorist incident in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
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