A rare terror strike targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is thought to have killed at least 26 people. According to accounts, the Pahalgam incident claimed the lives of two foreigners. Around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, a group of militants wearing fatigues opened fire on visitors in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, causing one of the bloodiest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Images from the bombing site showed ladies sobbing in agony as locals hurried to their aid, while remains were scattered around. According to an eyewitness, multiple persons were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the visitors from a close distance. As gunshots rang out, there was panic and tourists ran for cover, but there was no place to hide in the wide, open space, said another eyewitness.A rare terror strike targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is thought to have killed at least 26 people. According to accounts, the Pahalgam incident claimed the lives of two foreigners. Around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, a group of militants wearing fatigues opened fire on visitors in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, causing one of the bloodiest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Images from the bombing site showed ladies sobbing in agony as locals hurried to their aid, while remains were scattered around. According to an eyewitness, multiple persons were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the visitors from a close distance. As gunshots rang out, there was panic and tourists ran for cover, but there was no place to hide in the wide, open space, said another eyewitness.
Pahalgam hill station is around 5 km away from the Baisaran meadow, which is only reachable on foot or by horses. According to officials cited by the news agency, armed terrorists entered the grassland, known as “mini Switzerland,” and began shooting at visitors who were gathered around restaurants, riding ponies, or simply enjoying a picnic and the sights.
Even as Pahalgam town, which was bustling with tourists this morning, fell into utter quiet, security authorities quickly sealed off the area and initiated an anti-terrorist operation. The attack was claimed by the Resistance Front, a local branch of the Laskhar-e-Taiba terror organization, which is based in Pakistan.
Regarding the Pahalgam terror assault, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone and requested that he take all appropriate action. He also invited Amit Shah to come see the location.
PM Modi stated that those responsible for the horrific act would not be spared in a post on X. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” PM Modi said. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Amit Shah called a high-level meeting after the horrific attack. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Home Secretary are attending the meeting. The Director General of Police (DGP) and other officials from Jammu & Kashmir are participating electronically in the conference. Notably, Amit Shah is scheduled to depart for Pahalgam on Tuesday at approximately 7 p.m. Amit Shah also took to X and said that he was anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. He added, “My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. 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. Briefed PM Modi about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and wrote on X, “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also returned to Srinagar from Ramban, following the terrorist attack on tourists.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, took to X and wrote, “Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she wrote on X. She added, “Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
