26 Feared Dead in Pahalgam Terror Attack

At Least 26 Feared Dead in Kashmir Terror Attack; Amit Shah Vows Retaliation

In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, at least 26 people—primarily tourists—were killed on Tuesday afternoon when militants opened fire near Baisaran, a picturesque meadow close to Pahalgam town. The site, accessible only by foot or pony, had attracted a group of holidaymakers who had ventured there earlier in the day. Initial reports suggest that two foreigners and two locals were among the dead, although officials cautioned that the toll was still being verified. The attack, carried out around 2:30pm, left scores injured and triggered panic in the area, which has recently seen a tourism revival due to a decline in insurgent activity.

A video that surfaced online showed scenes of chaos, with wounded individuals lying motionless as women cried out, frantically searching for their loved ones. Eyewitnesses described the attackers—possibly five in number—as dressed in camouflage, and said the shooting appeared targeted, with victims allegedly being asked their names before being fired upon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Saudi Arabia, spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to oversee the response. Shah later confirmed he had briefed the PM and convened a virtual meeting with top security officials before departing for Srinagar to conduct a high-level security review.

“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. The perpetrators will face the harshest consequences,” Shah posted on X. Tourists from several Indian states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, were present at the site. Among the victims was Karnataka-based businessman Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga. Following the attack, security forces were deployed to cordon off the area and conduct search operations. A helicopter was pressed into service to evacuate the wounded, while local residents used ponies to bring down the injured from the meadows. A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital confirmed that 12 people had been admitted and were in stable condition.

The timing of the attack is particularly significant as it coincides with a spike in tourist arrivals in Kashmir and precedes the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3. The 38-day pilgrimage involves two routes: the longer 48-kilometre trail via Pahalgam and the steeper 14-kilometre route through Baltal in Ganderbal. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the “cowardly act” and assured swift justice. “I have directed immediate medical care for the injured and ordered a full security sweep of the area,” he said.

Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti both denounced the attack. Omar described the incident as “an abomination,” while Mufti called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to examine possible security lapses. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the attack was a “blot on humanity,” emphasising the need for stronger national security measures. Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi echoed this sentiment, condemning the targeting of innocent civilians. Sajad Lone, chief of the People’s Conference, warned that such attacks aimed to cripple Kashmir’s economic recovery and shatter the dreams of those rebuilding livelihoods through tourism. “These cowardly terrorists want to destroy our legacy of hospitality. They are enemies of our people and our future,” he wrote.

The security establishment is currently on high alert, with reinforcements deployed and surveillance heightened. Meanwhile, the identities of the attackers remain unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

*This is a developing story

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies