28 people, mostly tourists, killed as terrorists open fire in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam

Srinagar: In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Kashmir in recent years, at least 28 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed and several others were injured when terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on a group of visitors in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, located in the southern Anantnag district.

The attack occurred around 2:45 PM on Tuesday as tourists — many of them families from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu — were exploring the lush meadows of Baisaran, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its alpine beauty.

Among the dead are two foreigners and two local residents, police confirmed, though identities have yet to be officially released.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as terrorists clad in military-style fatigues emerged suddenly and began firing automatic weapons without warning. “We heard sudden gunshots, and people started screaming and running for cover,” said an eyewitness. “It all happened very quickly.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack a “gruesome and calculated massacre” and admitted the scale of the tragedy was “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” He said the death toll is still being ascertained, and will be announced officially later.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed reportedly responsibility for the attack Intelligence officials suspect the terrorists may have infiltrated from the Kishtwar region in Jammu and made their way to Baisaran via Kokernag in south Kashmir.

Security forces launched a massive combing operation in the forests surrounding the Baisaran valley soon after the assault. Senior officials from the police and army’s counter-terrorism units arrived at the scene to supervise rescue and evacuation operations.

The attack comes at a particularly sensitive time, just ten weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra — a major Hindu pilgrimage — is scheduled to begin. Pahalgam, where the attack occurred, serves as one of the base camps for the yatra.

The timing of the attack, amid the spring tourist season, is being viewed by officials as a deliberate attempt to destabilize Kashmir valley and instill fear among visitors. Several travel agencies reported cancellations within hours of the attack which has sent shockwaves across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the terror attack, saying the guilty will be brought to justice and that India's resolve to fight terrorism is “unshakable.”

"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 wrote on X.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack.

In a post on X, Sinha assured the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. “Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations,” he said.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the terror attack. “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 posted on X.