At least 12 visitors were injured on Monday when terrorists opened fire in the picturesque Baisaran region of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which was on a group of non-local tourists, created panic and confusion in the otherwise tranquil tourist destination.
Gunmen Open Fire at Close Range
Witnesses told that unknown attackers reached the tourists and fired bullets at them point-blank. One female survivor, talking on the phone with PTI, said, “My husband got shot in the head while seven others got wounded in the firing.”
Officials confirmed hearing gunshots in the area, and soon security personnel swung into action. The area is only reachable on foot or on horseback, which increased difficulty in rescue work.
Local Assistance and Chopper Rescue
Executives used helicopters to evacuate the injured, while villagers assisted in bringing a few of the wounded down on ponies. Security officials initiated a search operation in the area to track the assailants.
PM Modi Calls Amit Shah, Demands Strong Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a Saudi Arabia visit, addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the attack. Modi asked Shah to “take all appropriate measures” and also told him to go to the spot.
Mehbooba Mufti Says Five Killed, Demands Inquiry
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the attack, saying five were killed.
I strongly condemn the dastardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. This is unacceptable and must be condemned,” she posted on X.
Terming it an isolated incident, she said, “Historically, Kashmir has received tourists very warmly, making this isolated incident very concerning. A proper investigation is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and investigate possible security failures.”
Omar Abdullah, BJP Leaders React Strongly
Another former CM, Omar Abdullah, also condemned the act and rushed back to Srinagar. “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,” he posted.
BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina accused the incident on Pakistani-backed militants. “Pakistani terrorists have conducted a cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, South Kashmir,” Raina said in Nowshera. He further claimed that these terrorists “cannot confront the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and our paramilitary forces.”
Earlier Incidents in the Valley
This is not the first time non-local workers or visitors have been targeted in Jammu and Kashmir. A similar attack last year in Ganderbal district killed a doctor and six workers who were constructing tunnels when militants fired at them.
The situation in Pahalgam continues to be tense as the combing operation continues and the police wait for more information about the attackers.
