In a terror attack that has shocked the nation, at least 26 tourists including 2 foreigners, were shot dead and several others injured when Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire near the popular Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, on Tuesday.
The attack, which occurred without warning at the tourist hotspot, sent visitors scrambling for safety as gunfire erupted in what was meant to be a peaceful sightseeing destination.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with terrified tourists running for cover as bullets rang out. Many families and groups had gathered at the spot for sightseeing when the attack took place.
"My husband was shot in the head while seven others around us were also injured. It all happened so fast; we didn't know where to run or hide," recounted one visibly shaken female survivor who witnessed the horror unfold.
Security agencies believe that two to three militants opened fire from different directions, leaving no way for the victims to run. The Resistance Force (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has claimed responsibility for the attack. This is the deadliest attack on tourists in recent times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation and has directed Shah to leave for Kashmir to monitor the situation.
"Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences," Shah said in his social media tweet on X, adding, "My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased."
Security reinforcement from the Army's Northern Command at Udhampur is being rushed to the Kashmir Valley to intensify search and cordon operations. Commando Battalions for Resolute Action (CoBRA) forces of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were sent to Kashmir earlier this week to comb out militants from densely forested areas.
The area of the attack in Pahalgam has been cordoned off to search for the armed militants. Security has been reinforced in the state, and tourist movement has been temporarily restricted as a precautionary measure.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," signalling a concerning escalation in violence.
"This attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said, adding that while the number of fatalities was still being verified, the scale and intent behind the strike pointed to a disturbing escalation in militant tactics. Abdullah emphasised that more information about the casualties would be shared once there was official confirmation.
The attack comes during peak tourist season, dealing a significant blow to the region's economy, which had been showing signs of revival after years of instability. Pahalgam, known for its stunning natural landscapes and adventure activities, typically attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months.
Reports from the ground say that the hospitals were working relentlessly to treat the injured. Security rings have also been formed around the hospitals. The list of casualties is yet to be released, but some of the victims are said to be from Karnataka. This includes a 47-year-old businessman from Karnataka who was on holiday with his family.
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