Pahalgam Terror Attack: 25 Dead, Including Foreign Tourists, Amit Shah Leaves For Srinagar
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
PAHALGAM ( Jammu & Kashmir ) – A devastating terrorist attack rocked the serene Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 25 people, including an Israeli and an Italian tourist, and injuring over 20 others. The attack, described as the deadliest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370, has sent shockwaves across India and drawn international condemnation.
The assault unfolded around 2:30 PM when two to three heavily armed gunmen, dressed in military fatigues, emerged from the wooded hills of Baisaran meadows and opened indiscriminate fire on a group of approximately 40 tourists enjoying horse rides and the picturesque landscape.
Reports are inconsistent, some sources cite higher figures, with estimates ranging from 20 to 27 deaths, though these numbers lack official verification and are considered unconfirmed.
The Hindu reported in its headline ” Pahalgam terror attack LIVE: Death toll climbs to 25; tourists from Karnataka, Odisha among dead”
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and panic as the attackers fired at close range. Among the victims was a man from Shivamogga, Karnataka, whose wife recounted the horrific moment her husband was shot in the head.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence sources indicate the strike is part of a broader plan by Pakistan-based terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, to destabilize the region through small, lethal hit squads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the attack, vowing that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice” and asserting that India’s resolve to fight terrorism remains “unshakable.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who departed for Srinagar alongside Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, promised the “harshest consequences” for the perpetrators. Shah is set to chair a high-level security meeting in Srinagar to address the crisis.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as an “abomination,” labeling the terrorists “inhuman” and noting the unprecedented scale of civilian targeting in recent years.
Security forces, including the Indian Army’s Victor Force, have launched a massive search operation, with helicopters deployed to track the attackers. The injured have been rushed to hospitals, with one critically injured victim shifted to SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar and three others being treated at Anantnag District Hospital. The Anantnag Police have established a 24/7 emergency help desk to assist affected tourists.
International leaders, including representatives from Israel, Argentina, and Singapore, expressed solidarity with India, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the victims’ families. Israel’s Reuven Azar and Argentina’s Mariano Caucino reaffirmed their support for India’s fight against terrorism.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Kashmir, a region that has seen a surge in visitors during the summer season. Local residents expressed grief, with one, Omar, stating, “We are in distress. This is a loss for everyone.” The incident threatens to disrupt tourism and local businesses in Pahalgam, often called “mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives, and authorities remain on high alert to prevent further violence. The government has pledged swift action to ensure justice and bolster security in the region.
