A horrifying attack on Tuesday afternoon shook the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu Kashmir’s Anantnag district, leaving at least 12 others injured, four of them critically.
The attack, which took place in the Baisaran meadows—a popular tourist destination, nearly six kilometers away from Pahalgam town and accessible only by foot or pony—has prompted a strong response from the central and state governments and swift action by security forces on the ground.
Eyewitnesses, quoted by news agency PTI, recounted that unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists visiting Baisaran. Among the victims was a man who, according to his wife, was shot in the head. “Save my husband, please,” she was heard pleading in the chaos that followed. Initial reports confirm that the attack happened at close range, causing panic and devastation at the site.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. Initial investigations suggest the attackers emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding Baisaran, a picturesque location once popular with Bollywood filmmakers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi shortly after the attack. Top officials, including the Home Secretary and senior Intelligence Bureau functionaries, were present. The Director General of Police of J-K and senior security officers joined the meeting virtually to provide updates on the ground situation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the incident, labeling it a “cowardly and despicable act.” He assured the public that the perpetrators “will not go unpunished” and confirmed that joint teams of the Army and J&K Police had launched immediate operations in the area.
Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also denounced the attack, calling it “an abomination” and referring to the attackers as “animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt.” Expressing shock, he extended sympathies to the victims’ families and confirmed that his colleague had been dispatched to oversee the treatment of the injured. He is expected to return to Srinagar promptly to monitor the situation personally.
Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also denounced the attack. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. 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
So far, one death has been reported by various news agencies, and 12 others are reported injured. The injured are being treated at a local hospital, where arrangements have been made for emergency care.
Authorities deployed a helicopter to evacuate the injured following a terrorist attack in Baisaran, officials confirmed to news agencies.
The Union Home Ministry is expected to release an official statement later tonight, outlining additional security measures and a potential travel advisory for tourists in Jammu Kashmir. In the meantime, security in tourist zones across the Valley is being ramped up.
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
