Deadly Attack in Kashmir Claims Lives of 28 Tourists; Militants Suspected
In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, at least 28 tourists lost their lives in a suspected militant attack in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam — a scenic tourist hotspot located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar. The assault marks one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years.
The attack unfolded around 3 PM, as a group of unidentified gunmen reportedly emerged from nearby forested areas and opened fire on tourists enjoying the valley’s picturesque meadows. Due to the area’s remote location, with limited road access, helicopter evacuations were deployed to rush the injured to medical facilities.
Shocking visuals shared on social media revealed chaotic scenes of wounded tourists lying on the ground while their companions cried for help. A local guide who responded to the gunfire used horses to assist in the rescue efforts, describing the aftermath as “heart-wrenching.”
Among the victims were tourists from Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, and two foreign nationals, according to officials. At least six others sustained injuries, some critically. One survivor reported that her husband was fatally shot in the head during the chaos.
In a social media statement, Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir, remarked, “This is one of the worst civilian attacks we’ve witnessed in years.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia during the incident, condemned the act, stating: “This heinous act will not go unpunished. Our determination to fight terrorism remains unshakable.”
US Vice President JD Vance, who was on an official visit to India at the time, also expressed condolences. “Usha and I are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” he posted on social media.
Following the incident, Indian security forces launched a manhunt in the surrounding mountainous terrain to locate and neutralize the attackers. Eyewitnesses recounted moments of confusion and terror, initially mistaking gunfire for firecrackers before realizing the gravity of the situation.
A group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack, citing grievances over demographic changes due to the settlement of “outsiders” in the region post the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
While violence in Kashmir has seen a decline over the years, Tuesday’s attack signifies a disturbing shift, as tourists—long considered off-limits by militant groups—have now become targets.
The Baisaran area, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland” for its natural beauty, draws thousands of visitors during the summer. Officials say the attack was deliberately aimed at disrupting the region’s tourism-dependent economy and instilling fear among travelers.
Security has been tightened across Jammu & Kashmir, with paramilitary and army units deployed across sensitive zones as authorities continue the search for those responsible for this brutal assault.
