26 tourists killed in terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir: Report
#News Bureau April 22,2025
Terrorists opened fire targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which many people have been injured. The attack has raised concerns about security in the area. Know the latest update.
At least 26 people were killed and several injured in a horrific terror attack at Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. India Today reported that two foreign nationals were among those killed. However, The Indian Express quoted police sources as saying that 20 people were killed and 10 injured. The attack took place in the Baisaran grassland in Anantnag district, known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ for its natural beauty. The incident took place at a place that can be accessed only on foot or on horseback. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists, causing panic in the area.
According to police sources, around 2:30 pm, unidentified gunmen opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran valley. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists emerged from the forest and fired from close range. A woman tourist told PTI over the phone, “My husband was shot in the head and seven others were also injured. Please help us get to the hospital.” Some sources claimed that the terrorists had asked a female tourist about her name and religion before opening fire. However, this has not been officially confirmed yet.
The tourists injured in the attack include both locals and outsiders. The injured were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals, where the condition of four people is said to be stable, while some are in critical condition. Helicopters and horses with the help of locals were used to evacuate the injured.
As soon as the attack was reported, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army’s Victor Force, Special Task Force, and CRPF’s 116th battalion jointly cordoned off the Baisaran grassland. A massive search operation has been launched in the area, with additional forces deployed to nab the terrorists. Some media reports are quoting sources as saying that Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy organization TRF has claimed responsibility for the attack. The police have not yet officially confirmed this claim.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone and instructed to take strict action on the attack. The PM also asked Shah to visit the spot. Shah has called a high-level meeting of security officials in Delhi.
PM Modi has expressed grief over the incident. He said, ‘I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected people. Those who are behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… They will not be spared! Their evil plan will never succeed. Our resolve against terrorism is unwavering and it will become even stronger.’
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack, calling it barbaric and inhuman. He wrote on social media platform X, ‘I am shocked by this attack. This attack on our guests is despicable. My condolences to the families of the deceased.’ Abdullah refrained from confirming the death toll, saying an official statement would be issued once the situation becomes clear.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina blamed “Pakistani terrorists” for the attack and said the culprits would be punished severely.
Attacks on tourists rare
Pahalgam, known as the ‘valley of shepherds’, is a major centre of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The attack comes at a time when a huge increase in the number of tourists was being seen in the spring season. Local resident Mohammad Umar told ANI, “This is a big loss for us. We have lost our jobs. We want the culprits to be punished.”
Attacks on tourists have been rare in Kashmir in recent years. Earlier in June 2024, nine people were killed in an attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims. Tuesday’s attack is believed to be the biggest attack on tourists in the last one year.
Recently, a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror hideout was discovered in the forests of Kishtwar, which had facilities like GPS, solar panels, and Wi-Fi. The incident shows the complexity of terrorist activities in the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has advised tourists to stay in touch with local authorities and follow travel advisories. The tourism department is preparing to release a helpline soon. The attack is expected to cause immediate damage to the tourism industry, and local businesses fear cancellations.
Security forces are conducting a search operation, and officials have assured that the culprits will be caught soon. The attack poses a new challenge to the restoration of peace and tourism in Kashmir.
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