Srinagar: In what is being described as one of the most lethal terrorist assaults in Kashmir in recent years, at least 28 civilians, many of whom were tourists, lost their lives and several others were injured when gunmen opened fire indiscriminately in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, located in the southern district of Anantnag.
Among those killed in the attack were two foreign nationals and two local residents, according to police sources. However, the identities of the victims have not been officially disclosed as authorities work to confirm the details.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted harrowing moments of sudden violence and confusion. According to one witness, “We heard sudden gunshots, and people started screaming and running for cover. It all happened very quickly.” The attackers, reportedly dressed in military-style uniforms, emerged unexpectedly and unleashed automatic gunfire on a group of visiting tourists, creating widespread panic and chaos.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah characterized the incident as a “gruesome and calculated massacre.” He acknowledged the sheer scale of the assault, stating that it was “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” While the exact number of casualties is still being verified, the state government has committed to releasing the official figures soon.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an outfit believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence officials believe the militants may have crossed over from the Kishtwar region in Jammu and traveled through Kokernag in South Kashmir before reaching Baisaran. The route they took suggests a high level of planning and coordination.
Immediately after the shooting, security forces initiated an extensive search operation in the dense forests surrounding the Baisaran Valley. High-ranking officers from both the police and the army’s counter-terrorism units arrived at the location to lead rescue efforts and oversee the evacuation of survivors.
The attack has struck a particularly sensitive nerve as it occurred just ten weeks ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees each year. Pahalgam, where the deadly assault took place, functions as one of the key base camps for the pilgrimage. Authorities believe the choice of location and timing—during the spring tourist season—was a strategic move aimed at destabilizing the Kashmir Valley and frightening potential visitors.
In the immediate aftermath, numerous travel agencies reported a spike in cancellations, reflecting the nationwide shock and fear that the attack has generated. The violent incident has sent tremors across the country and renewed concerns over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the incident in the strongest terms. He promised that the perpetrators would face justice and reaffirmed India’s determination to continue fighting terrorism. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger,” he posted on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed outrage over the attack and offered assurances that those responsible would be held accountable. In a message posted on X, he stated, “Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations.” His post aimed to reassure the public that swift action was being taken.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also voiced strong condemnation of the violence. She described the attack as cowardly and unacceptable. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced,” she wrote on X.
The broader implications of this attack are likely to resonate for some time. With Kashmir’s tourism industry still recovering from years of conflict and uncertainty, this latest act of violence threatens to undermine those fragile gains. The region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, had recently begun to see a revival in tourism, which many hoped would lead to long-term economic and social stability.
Security analysts note that targeting civilians, especially tourists, is a tactic aimed at achieving maximum psychological impact. By instilling fear and disrupting the normal rhythm of life, terrorist groups attempt to create an environment of instability and insecurity. This assault, they argue, fits within that broader strategy and must be countered with both tactical operations and a strategic overhaul of security planning in sensitive regions.
As the search for the attackers continues, security forces remain on high alert across the Valley, particularly in areas connected to the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage. Enhanced surveillance, stricter checkpoints, and intelligence coordination are being prioritized to prevent any follow-up attacks.
Meanwhile, grieving families and a shocked nation are left to mourn the loss of innocent lives. The hope among many is that the response to this tragedy will be both swift and effective—not only in apprehending the culprits but in addressing the broader security gaps that allowed such an attack to take place.
Authorities have urged citizens and tourists to remain vigilant but not to succumb to fear. Efforts are underway to restore confidence through visible security presence and ongoing communication from local officials. However, the wounds of this tragedy will take time to heal, and its shadow may linger over the region’s fragile peace for months to come.