Srinagar– At least 16 people, including two foreign nationals, were killed and 20 others injured in a terror attack at the Pahalgam hill station in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar to chair an emergency security review meeting as security forces launched a large-scale operation to track down the perpetrators.
According to official reports, the victims include one person each from Nepal and the UAE, two each from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and one each from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities or domiciles of six additional victims. However, sources suggest the death toll could be higher, with unconfirmed reports indicating at least 26 fatalities, raising concerns that the number could rise further.
The attack took place around 2:30 p.m. at Baisaran Meadow, approximately six kilometers from Pahalgam town, an area accessible only by horseback due to the absence of motorable roads. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several critically wounded victims airlifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar around 8:20 p.m., accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Shah received a detailed briefing from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, senior police officials, and security agencies. He later chaired a high-level security meeting at Raj Bhavan to assess the situation and coordinate the response. Shah is expected to visit the injured in hospitals and tour the attack site on Wednesday.
Leaders across India condemned the attack, transcending political divides. Locals in Pahalgam held a candlelight vigil to protest the violence and express solidarity with the victims.
Initial reports indicated one casualty and 12 injuries, but the toll quickly escalated. According to eyewitness accounts, five to six terrorists disguised in army fatigues opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Meadow.
In a harrowing account, a tourist from Karnataka who lost her husband in the attack told Kannada media that she and her 18-year-old son pleaded with the gunman to kill them alongside her husband, Manjunath. The terrorist, however, spared them, instructing her to relay a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the attack.
Prime Minister Modi, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged swift action.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover swiftly. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” he posted on X.
In a stern warning to the attackers, he added, “Those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.”
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha echoed this sentiment, stating, “Anti-terror operations have been launched to neutralize the terrorists. The entire nation is angry, and the blood of our forces is boiling. The perpetrators will pay a heavy price for their heinous act.”
Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar left Delhi for Srinagar to oversee security operations and coordinate with field commanders.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also traveled to Pahalgam ahead of Shah’s visit to assess the situation on the ground. Helplines have been set up in Anantnag’s control room to assist tourists and families seeking information about their loved ones.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Amit Shah shortly after the attack, directing him to take all necessary measures to ensure security and bring the attackers to justice.
“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Those responsible will face the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on X. He confirmed that he briefed the Prime Minister and held video conferences with security officials before departing for Srinagar.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, saying, “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators are inhuman and worthy of the highest contempt. No words of condemnation are enough.” Abdullah confirmed he was returning to Srinagar immediately.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also strongly condemned the attack. “Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Kashmir has historically welcomed tourists with warmth, making this incident deeply concerning,” she posted on X, calling for a thorough investigation and review of security protocols.
This marks the deadliest terror attack on tourists in Kashmir since the separatist insurgency began in the 1990s. The attack comes amid a booming tourist season, with hotels in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg fully booked. Officials expect a record-breaking two crore tourists to visit Jammu and Kashmir this year.
The timing of the attack is especially alarming as it coincides with preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3 and concludes on August 9. Just last month, Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the complete eradication of terrorism and zero tolerance for infiltration, particularly in the Jammu division.
The security forces are now conducting widespread search operations, determined to bring those responsible for this brutal attack to justice. (Source: IANS)
