At least 26 tourists lost their lives, including two foreign nationals, in a devastating terror attack at Jammu and Kashmir’s popular hill station Pahalgam on the afternoon of April 22, marking one of the deadliest strikes against civilians in recent years.
The assault unfolded around 2:30 pm at Baisaran meadow, locally known as ‘mini Switzerland,’ when terrorists dressed in military fatigues opened indiscriminate fire on unsuspecting tourists. The picturesque meadow, situated approximately 5 kilometers from Pahalgam and accessible only by foot or pony, turned into a scene of carnage.
“Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the tourists from close range,” said an eyewitness. As gunshots echoed through the open grassland, panic ensued with tourists scrambling for non-existent cover. The attackers targeted visitors engaged in pony rides, dining at local eateries, and enjoying picnics.
The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded swiftly, conducting a telephonic conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah and directing him to take all necessary measures. “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,” Modi declared on X.
Shah immediately convened a high-level meeting with top security officials at his Delhi residence before departing for Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review. The meeting included Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, visibly shocked, condemned the attackers as “animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt.” He cut short his visit to Ramban and returned to Srinagar to monitor the situation, noting that “this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Military helicopters were pressed into service for evacuating the injured, as emergency medical teams struggled to reach the remote location. Several wounded tourists were airlifted to GMC Anantnag for treatment.
The attack occurred during peak tourist season and coincided with registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, scheduled to begin July 3. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an anti-terrorist operation, as Pahalgam town fell into eerie silence after morning bustle.
Among the victims was a Karnataka realtor shot in front of his family. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting upon receiving the news.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed that “perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act” and directed administration to provide immediate medical attention to the injured.
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, currently in the United States, criticized the government’s “hollow claims of normalcy” in the valley and demanded concrete steps to prevent future incidents. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the attack “a blot on humanity.”
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti emphasized Kashmir’s traditional hospitality toward tourists, describing the incident as “deeply concerning” and calling for thorough investigation into potential security lapses.
The attack represents a significant escalation in militant activities targeting civilian areas, particularly tourist hotspots that had been relatively peaceful in recent years. Security agencies have intensified operations across the valley as the region grapples with this tragedy that has shaken both tourists and locals alike.
As investigations continue, the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam stand witness to one of the worst civilian casualties in Kashmir’s recent history, raising serious questions about tourist safety in the conflict-ridden region.
