In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, heavily armed terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist meadow near Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 27 people, mostly tourists, and injuring 20 others.
Among the deceased were two foreign nationals and two locals, a senior official confirmed, while Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the final death toll was still being ascertained. He described the assault as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
The attack occurred around 3 pm at Baisaran, a lush, scenic meadow about six kilometres uphill from Pahalgam, often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’. As tourists picnicked, took pony rides, or relaxed at local eateries, gunmen suddenly emerged from the surrounding pine forests and opened indiscriminate fire, sending crowds fleeing in panic.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility. Security officials suspect the terrorists may have infiltrated from Kishtwar and reached Baisaran via Kokernag in south Kashmir.
The incident coincided with the visit of US Vice President J.D. Vance to India and came at a time when Kashmir’s tourist season was gaining momentum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, was briefed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah immediately left for Srinagar to lead a high-level security review.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The perpetrators will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is stronger than ever,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene, with bodies lying in pools of blood and cries for help echoing across the meadow. “My husband was shot in the head… Seven others were injured,” one woman survivor said over the phone, pleading for urgent medical evacuation.
A tourist said the attackers asked victims their names before opening fire. Victims hailed from several states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Among the deceased was businessman Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his grief and dispatched a team of officials to Kashmir.
Due to Baisaran’s inaccessibility by road, helicopters were used to evacuate the injured, and many locals helped bring victims down on ponies. The government-owned Pahalgam Club was turned into a temporary relief and assistance centre.
The Army, CRPF, and J&K Police rushed to the spot and have since launched a massive anti-terror operation in the area. Emergency control rooms have been set up in Anantnag and Srinagar.
National Conference MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani condemned the attack as “cowardly” and said it violated the basic tenets of Islam. “This was a painful, unexpected attack in an area used primarily for trekking and horse rides,” he said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s office said, “The entire nation is angry. Our forces will ensure the perpetrators pay a heavy price.”
Tourist movement came to a complete halt, and the once-bustling town of Pahalgam fell silent in the aftermath of the massacre.
While Kashmir has seen a resurgence in tourism in recent years, Tuesday’s attack evoked grim reminders of past violence. In 2000, more than 30 people were killed at the Amarnath base camp in Pahalgam. A year later, 13 died in a terror strike at Sheshnag, and another 11 were killed in 2002.
In May 2023, a tourist couple from Rajasthan was injured in a firing incident at Yannar in Pahalgam. The region also witnessed the chilling 2000 Chhattisinghpora massacre in which 35 Sikhs were killed during President Bill Clinton’s India visit.
Baisaran is a known trekking route to Tulian Lake, offering panoramic views of the Lidder Valley and Pahalgam town. That this idyllic spot became the site of such a horrific attack has left the Valley shaken once again.
