26 Killed in Brutal Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir – Deadliest Civilian Strike Since Pulwama. 

Pahalgam:

In a horrifying incident that has shaken the nation, at least 26 people—most of them tourists—were killed and over 20 injured when armed terrorists opened fire on civilians in Baisaran, a popular tourist meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals and two locals, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, when the serene meadow, known for its scenic beauty and often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’, was bustling with tourists enjoying pony rides, picnics, and local delicacies. Eyewitnesses described a sudden hail of bullets that disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, with screams and chaos ensuing as people ran in every direction trying to find shelter in the open grassland.

Terror Group TRF Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for what is now being labeled the worst civilian-targeted terror attack in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Officials suspect the attackers—possibly five in number—crossed into the region through Kokernag from Kishtwar in Jammu. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants selectively targeted tourists after asking them their names.

Victims from Across India
Tourists from states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat were among the victims. One of those confirmed dead is Manjunath Rao, a businessman from Shivamogga, Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences and dispatched a team of officials to assist the victims’ families.

Government Response and National Mourning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, was briefed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who immediately left for Srinagar to oversee an emergency security review. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister condemned the attack, stating:

“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep anguish, calling the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” He labeled the perpetrators as “inhuman and worthy of contempt.”

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha’s office assured that those responsible would “pay a very heavy price,” and that anti-terror operations were underway to neutralize the attackers.

Emergency Measures Deployed
With Baisaran accessible only by foot or horseback, emergency evacuations were conducted using ponies and helicopters. Injured individuals were brought to Pahalgam and later transferred to hospitals under heavy security. The local administration established 24×7 control rooms in Anantnag and Srinagar for assistance.

Security Forces Launch Massive Hunt
Following the attack, the Army, CRPF, and local police launched a massive manhunt across the forests surrounding Baisaran. All possible routes of infiltration are being investigated.

Historical Context
Pahalgam, a hub for tourists and pilgrims en route to Amarnath, has witnessed terror in the past, including:

• 2000: 30 killed in an attack on the Amarnath base camp.
• 2001: 13 Amarnath pilgrims killed at Sheshnag.
• 2002: 11 civilians killed in Pahalgam.
• 2023: Firing incident injured a tourist couple in nearby Yannar.

This attack comes during peak tourism season and coincides with the India visit of US Vice President JD Vance, adding a geopolitical dimension to the tragedy.

Nation in Shock
The tranquil tourist town of Pahalgam, bustling with visitors just hours before the attack, now lies in eerie silence. Tourists have begun evacuating in large numbers, and the incident has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s growing tourism sector.

The entire nation stands in mourning, and the incident has reignited debates over the safety of tourists and the continued threat of terrorism in the region. A full-scale investigation is underway, and updates are expected as security agencies tighten their grip on the Valley.