A brutal terror attack shook Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday as militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran valley, leading to the death of 26 people and injuries to several others. The victims included civilians, a Navy officer from Haryana, and an Intelligence Bureau officer from Telangana.

The assault took place in the Baisaran meadow, a scenic but remote hilltop area only accessible by foot or horseback. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers emerged suddenly from the forest and began shooting indiscriminately. Chaos unfolded on the ground, with distressing scenes of panic, wounded tourists lying still, and desperate pleas for help.

Military helicopters were swiftly deployed to airlift the injured, while locals used ponies to transport victims from the rugged terrain. The timing of the attack—during peak tourism season and while Amarnath Yatra registrations are underway—has heightened security concerns in the region.

PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on an official visit, cut his two-day itinerary short and returned to India late Tuesday. He had been scheduled to leave on Wednesday but opted to return early in light of the attack. PM Modi skipped a state banquet in Jeddah and landed in New Delhi earlier this morning.

Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, the Prime Minister stated, “Our determination to fight terrorism is unwavering. This despicable act will not go unpunished.” He had spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah shortly after the attack and directed him to travel to the region.

Top-Level Security Meetings Convened

Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar Tuesday evening and was briefed by senior officials including the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Nalin Prabhat. Prior to this, Shah held an emergency video conference meeting from New Delhi with officials from the Intelligence Bureau, Home Ministry, CRPF, and Army.

A massive counter-terror operation is now underway in the region to track and eliminate those responsible. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed strict action, saying, “The culprits of this heinous act will face a severe response.”

Civilians Among Victims

Victims hailed from several states. Two men from Maharashtra—Dilip Disle and Atul Mone—were killed, while two others from the state were injured. Karnataka lost a realtor from Shivamogga, reportedly shot in front of his wife and child. An accountant from Balasore, Odisha, also died in the attack.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting after the incident, while Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the deaths of the two residents from his state.

“My Husband Was Shot in Front of Me”

Shaken tourists recounted the horror. A woman told authorities that a gunman confronted her husband, asked about his religion, and opened fire when he said he wasn’t Muslim. Another survivor described how his family scattered amid the gunfire, unsure if his loved ones had survived.

Pahalgam, known for its pristine beauty, forests, and trekking trails, has long been a magnet for domestic and foreign tourists. This attack—one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing—has raised alarm during a season that typically welcomes thousands of visitors.

Political Reactions Pour In

National leaders condemned the attack across party lines. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it “a cowardly act,” while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it “a blot on humanity.” Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed disbelief, calling the attackers “inhuman” and “animals.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti demanded a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need for heightened protection of visitors and a review of any security lapses. BJP’s Ravinder Raina called the attack an “assault on innocent, unarmed tourists.”

Global Solidarity

The international community also responded. US President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “deeply disturbing” and said America “stands strong” with India. A call between him and PM Modi was being scheduled. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed sympathy through letters to both PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, reaffirming Russia’s stance against terrorism.

Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued strong statements denouncing the violence and offering support.

Helplines Issued

In the aftermath, several emergency numbers were made available for those affected:

Srinagar Emergency Control Room:
0194-2457543 / 0194-2483651
Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar: 7006058623

Anantnag Police Control Room (24/7 Tourist Help Desk):
9596777669 / 01932-225870
WhatsApp: 9419051940

J&K Tourist Department Assistance:
8899931010 / 8899941010
9906663868 (Nissar, Asst. Director Tourism)
9906906115 (Mudassir, Tourist Officer)