By The Sampadak Express
In what is being described as one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, at least 28 civilians, mostly tourists, were brutally killed and dozens injured when heavily armed terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on a group of visitors in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
The attack occurred around 2:45 PM on Tuesday as families from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu were exploring the picturesque meadows of Baisaran—often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its alpine landscape. The area is a popular tourist destination and one of the key locations near the Amarnath Yatra route.
Terror Unleashed in Broad Daylight
Eyewitnesses reported horrifying scenes as gunmen dressed in military-style clothing suddenly emerged from the forested slopes and began firing automatic weapons at random. Panic erupted as visitors—many of them families with children—ran for cover amid the barrage of gunfire.“
We heard sudden gunshots, and within seconds, people were screaming and running in all directions,” said one survivor who was present at the time of the attack. “It was terrifying—like a war zone. We saw people dropping to the ground, bleeding.”
Among those killed were two foreign nationals and two residents from the local area, according to police sources. Authorities are still in the process of confirming and releasing the full list of victims.
Terror Outfit Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant outfit believed to be a front for the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has reportedly claimed responsibility for the massacre. Intelligence inputs suggest the attackers may have infiltrated from the Kishtwar region and reached Pahalgam through the dense forests of Kokernag in south Kashmir.
A massive search and combing operation was launched by Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police soon after the incident. Senior security officials from counter-terror units arrived at the site to oversee the evacuation and response measures.
Political Reactions and National Outrage
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack a “gruesome and calculated massacre,” admitting that the scale of the attack was unlike anything seen against civilians in the Valley in recent years. “It is a national tragedy. We stand united in our grief and determination to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said during a media briefing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the attack. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said, “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. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and will grow stronger.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment and assured that the attackers will not go unpunished. “Spoke to the DGP and senior security officials. Forces have launched a massive operation in the area. The attackers will face the full force of our justice system,” he said in a statement on X.
Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack, stating, “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced by all.”
Terror Attack Timed to Undermine Stability
Officials say the timing of the assault appears strategic, aimed at spreading fear just ten weeks ahead of the Amarnath Yatra—an annual Hindu pilgrimage that sees thousands of devotees trek through Pahalgam and surrounding regions. The attack also comes during the spring tourist season, a crucial period for the Valley’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism.
Tour operators across the country reported mass cancellations just hours after news of the attack spread, with several agencies urging the government to review security protocols in the region.
Increased Security Measures in Place
Following the attack, security has been beefed up across southern Kashmir, especially in tourist hotspots and pilgrimage routes. Authorities are also reviewing security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar are treating the injured, some of whom remain in critical condition. The government has assured that all medical expenses will be covered and financial assistance will be provided to the families of the victims.
This devastating attack has once again brought global attention to the ongoing threat of terrorism in Kashmir and the challenges of ensuring civilian safety in a conflict-prone region.
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