Over 20 tourists feared dead in major terror attack in J-K’s Pahalgam

Srinagar: At least 26 people were killed and several others injured in a terrorist attack Tuesday in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Most of the victims were tourists.

The attack took place at Baisaran, a meadow accessible only by foot or ponies, where a group of tourists had gone visiting this morning, officials said.

Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking, officials and eyewitnesses said. 

As news of the terror attack targeting tourists in Kashmir spread, The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility.

Officials said it was possible the terror group members could have crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran through Kokernag in south Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, and reached Srinagar in the evening for an urgent security review meeting with all agencies.

Officials said Shah is likely to visit Pahalgam on Wednesday.

According to an eyewitness, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the tourists from close range, resulting in injuries to several persons.

The incident happened at around 3 PM when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place which is often dubbed as 'mini Switzerland' because of its long lush green meadows.

The terror attack came at a time when US Vice President J D Vance along with his family is on a four-day visit to the country. He was in Rajasthan on Tuesday.

A purported video of the attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and frantically looking for their near and dear ones. No independent official verification was available.

According to a senior police official, security forces had rushed to Baisaran meadows in the Pahalgam tourist area shortly before the incident, after gunshots were heard.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on tourists.

" I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several, as reported. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," she said in a post on X.