A woman is seen sitting by her husband who was shot by terrorists at Pahalgam. Another victim is seen lying alone at some distance away. (Viral photo via X)
Srinagar/New Delhi: In a devastating assault that has shocked the nation, at least 26 people, predominantly tourists, were killed and several others injured on Tuesday afternoon when terrorists opened fire in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, a renowned tourist destination in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The incident unfolded around 3pm when a group of armed assailants targeted a gathering of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran meadow, often referred to as “mini-Switzerland” for its scenic beauty. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers indiscriminately fired upon the unsuspecting visitors, leading to chaos and panic.
The swift and brutal nature of the attack resulted in immediate casualties, with many succumbing to their injuries on the spot.
Victims and Emergency Response
The casualties include tourists from various parts of India, such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha. Emergency services, including helicopters, were deployed to evacuate the wounded, while local residents assisted by transporting victims down the slopes on ponies.
Initial reports indicate that 26 individuals lost their lives in the attack, including two foreign nationals and two local residents. The identities of the victims are being ascertained, and efforts are underway to inform their families.
Additionally, more than three dozen people sustained injuries, some of whom are in critical condition and have been transported to medical facilities in Srinagar for urgent treatment. A doctor at Pahalgam hospital confirmed that 12 injured tourists had been admitted and were in stable condition as of Tuesday evening.
With several people critically injured, the death toll is expected to rise.
Government Response
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that those responsible would face the full force of the law. Modi directed the Union home minister, Amit Shah, to oversee the situation personally and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to restore peace and help the victims.
In response, Shah promptly departed for Srinagar to lead a high-level security review meeting. He emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and enhancing security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The lieutenant governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also condemned the attack. He said, “The entire nation is angry, and the blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act.”
Security Operations
Following the attack, security forces launched extensive search operations in and around the Baisaran valley to apprehend the assailants. Military helicopters were deployed for aerial surveillance, and checkpoints have been established to monitor movement in the region. The area has been cordoned off, and a 24/7 emergency helpline has been set up for tourists and locals seeking assistance.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit believed to be a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The TRF has previously been implicated in orchestrating attacks aimed at disrupting peace and targeting civilians in the region.
Political Reactions
The attack has elicited widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Jammu & Kashmir’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, in a post on X, said: “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.”
He then described the incident as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
The foreign minister, S Jaishankar, termed the attack “cowardly” and extended condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, also expressed his grief, condemning the attack and emphasizing the need for unity in the face of such tragedies.
Public Response and Impact on Tourism
In the aftermath of the attack, candlelight vigils and protests have been organized across Jammu & Kashmir. Residents of Baramulla district held a candlelight march to honour the victims and denounce the violence. Similar demonstrations have been reported in other parts of the region, reflecting the collective grief and outrage of the Kashmiris yearning for peace for decades.
The attack has cast a shadow over the region’s tourism industry, which had been witnessing a resurgence in recent years. Pahalgam, known for its serene landscapes and cultural significance, attracts thousands of tourists annually. This incident is expected to have a detrimental effect on tourist inflow, with potential cancellations and heightened security concerns among prospective visitors.
The Pahalgam terror attack stands as one of the most heinous assaults on civilians in Jammu & Kashmir in recent memory. The government has pledged to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
