It was the deadliest attack against civilians in years in Kashmir, a region claimed by both India and Pakistan that has been racked by violence for decades.

Twenty-six people were killed and 17 were injured when suspected militants opened fire at tourists in India's Jammu and Kashmir territory on Tuesday, the worst such attack in the country in nearly two decades.

Founded in 2019, the little-known group has now taken centre stage in the conflict between India and the rebels.