Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Tourists Killed in Kashmir’s Deadliest Assault in Years.

At least 26 people, including tourists and two foreigners, were killed and more than 20 injured after heavily armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The attack, the deadliest on civilians since the abrogation of Article 370, has sent shockwaves across India and drawn strong condemnation from political and community leaders nationwide.

How the Attack Unfolded

The assault occurred around 2:30 pm, when two to three militants—believed to be part of a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot—descended from the mountains and indiscriminately fired over 50 rounds at tourists exploring the scenic Baisaran meadow, a popular destination often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its lush beauty. The area, accessible only by foot or pony, was crowded with visitors at the time of the attack. Among the victims were women, elderly individuals, and at least two foreign nationals.

Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic as gunmen opened fire without warning. Local residents and pony operators helped evacuate the wounded, some of whom were carried down the steep terrain on ponies. Security forces and paramedics rushed to the scene, and helicopters were deployed to airlift the critically injured to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar.

Casualties and Ongoing Operations

Authorities have confirmed at least 26 fatalities, with the death toll feared to rise as several injured remain in critical condition. This attack marks the highest number of civilian casualties in a single incident in Kashmir in recent years. Security forces, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, have launched a massive cordon-and-search operation to track down the assailants, believed to include foreign terrorists who recently infiltrated the region.

Political and National Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an overseas visit, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible “will not be spared.” He directed Home Minister Amit Shah to travel to Srinagar, who has since arrived to oversee the security response and hold high-level meetings with local officials. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years” and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

President Droupadi Murmu called the attack “shocking and painful,” emphasizing that targeting innocent citizens is “utterly appalling and unpardonable.” Emergency helplines have been established for tourists and their families, and authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.

Background and Security Implications

The Pahalgam attack comes at a time when Kashmir has witnessed a surge in tourism following years of relative calm. It is the first major attack on tourists this year, reviving concerns about civilian safety and the region’s fragile security situation. Intelligence sources indicate that the attackers conducted reconnaissance of hotels and tourist routes in early April, suggesting a premeditated assault.

The incident also raises concerns ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin in July, and has prompted a renewed focus on counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Sources

• Firstpost – Kashmir Terrorist Attack: Pahalgam Deaths, Security Response
  
• Al Jazeera – Gunmen Open Fire on Tourists in Kashmir
  
• NewsOnAir – J&K: Terrorist Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam
  
• India TV News – Emergency Helpline Numbers Launched
  
• Indian Express – Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE Updates
  
• Hindustan Times – Pahalgam Attack Live Updates
  
• India Today – Pahalgam Terror Attack Live
  
• Indian Express – At least 20 dead, 10 injured in militant attack on tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam