In a horrifying act of terror, at least 26 tourists lost their lives on Tuesday when a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire in Baisaran, a popular meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. This has been marked as the most deadly attack in the region since the 2019 Pulwama incident.

Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists, reportedly five to six in number, emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding Baisaran around 2:30 pm and began firing indiscriminately. The meadow, often called “mini Switzerland,” is known for its scenic beauty and is accessible only by foot or on horseback.

First Visuals of Suspect Emerge

Shortly after the attack, an image of one of the suspected terrorists holding an automated weapon surfaced online. The visuals have gone viral across social media, intensifying public outrage and fear.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

एक पर्यटक खुद का वीडियो रिकॉर्ड करवा रहा था, तभी आतंकी हमला हो गया!

वीडियो में गोलियों की आवाज को साफ़ सूना जा सकता है, और दहशत को महसूस किया जा सकता है!#Pahalgamterroristattack #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/uux6S2nOOt

— Avinash Tiwari (@TaviJournalist) April 22, 2025

Evacuations and Emergency Measures

Due to the remote nature of the location, helicopters were deployed to airlift the injured. Victims’ families were taken to the government-run Pahalgam Club under tight security arrangements. The local administration, along with the armed forces, cordoned off the area immediately following the incident.

Top-Level Political Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew into Srinagar hours after the attack to directly oversee the response and review regional security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to New Delhi the same night.

“The Home Minister must ensure swift and decisive action to address the incident,” Modi stated. He further emphasized the need for justice and public safety restoration in Kashmir.

Terrorist Group Claims Responsibility

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. Preliminary reports suggest that most of the attackers were Pakistani nationals.

Security agencies are currently combing the region, and a high-alert has been declared across Jammu and Kashmir.

The country mourns the loss of innocent lives, and as investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace in the region.