At least 26 people, including tourists and local guides, were killed and several others injured in a brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to The Times of India, the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon when four heavily armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the valley. The assailants are believed to have emerged from dense forest areas and began indiscriminately shooting at civilians.
Victims included tourists from Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Two foreign nationals were also reportedly among those killed. Several others were critically injured and airlifted by the Indian Air Force to hospitals in Srinagar.
Security forces launched a massive search operation following the attack. The area has been cordoned off, and reinforcements from the Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed to track down the perpetrators. No group immediately claimed responsibility, though investigators suspect local terror outfits with external support.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, stating that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice and their evil designs will never succeed.” According to Times of India, Modi has canceled scheduled diplomatic engagements and returned to New Delhi for emergency security consultations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited Jammu and Kashmir and assured that “strongest action will be taken against those involved.” The attack comes just days after increased security warnings in the region, particularly concerning soft targets like tourist zones.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a “dark day for Kashmir.”
The incident drew international condemnation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is currently in India, extended condolences and condemned the attack. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, through a social media post, reaffirmed support for India’s counter-terror efforts.
As rescue and investigation operations continue, security has been heightened across all major tourist hubs and pilgrimage routes in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack raises renewed concerns over safety in the region, especially following the revocation of Article 370 and increasing efforts by the Indian government to promote tourism.
(With inputs from agencies)
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