By Our Reporter
A popular holiday destination in Indian-administered Kashmir was rocked by tragedy on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on tourists, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more in what authorities have described as a “terror attack.”
The assault took place near the Baisaran Meadow, approximately three miles from the resort town of Pahalgam, often referred to as the “Switzerland of India” for its scenic beauty. Eyewitnesses said gunmen, believed to be militants opposing Indian rule, opened fire indiscriminately on a group of visitors around 3:00 p.m. local time, unleashing chaos in a region that had, until now, largely spared its tourist population from the decades-long insurgency.
Police confirmed that at least four attackers were involved in the ambush. In addition to the fatalities, more than three dozen individuals were wounded, many critically. Due to the challenging terrain and limited road access, helicopters were deployed to evacuate the injured to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar.
One survivor described the horror to local media outlet India Today:
“At first, we thought it was firecrackers. Then we heard screaming and saw people falling to the ground. We just ran for our lives.”
Graphic videos circulating on social media showed harrowing scenes of bloodied tourists lying on the ground while bystanders frantically sought help. Emergency services, already on high alert due to ongoing security concerns in the region, responded quickly, though the scale of the attack overwhelmed initial efforts.
The victims were primarily Indian nationals from the states of Karnataka, Odisha, and Gujarat, though authorities also confirmed the deaths of two foreign nationals. In total, at least 20 bodies were recovered from the scene by late evening.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it a “heinous act” and vowing justice.
“Those behind this act of terror will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” Modi stated, cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia to return to New Delhi.
Home Minister Amit Shah echoed the sentiment, promising that the perpetrators would face “the harshest consequences.”
As of Monday morning, no group had officially claimed responsibility for the massacre. Security forces launched an intensive manhunt across the surrounding forests and mountainous terrain, deploying additional troops and special forces units to track down the attackers.
The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed solidarity with India, tweeting:
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered condolences, stating:
“The vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives. India’s spirit is unbreakable, and Europe stands with India during this ordeal.”
In Kashmir, reactions were equally strong. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a leading cleric and separatist figure, condemned the attack, calling it “cowardly and against the ethos of Kashmir,” a region traditionally known for its hospitality toward visitors.
JD Vance, a prominent American senator visiting India, described the attack as “devastating” and praised the resilience of the Indian people.
The Baisaran Meadow, where the attack occurred, is a popular destination for tourists who come to admire its lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and pine forests. Tourism has become a vital part of Kashmir’s economy in recent years, even as the region remains heavily militarized following the Indian government’s revocation of its semi-autonomous status in 2019.
Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of which claim the territory in full. Militancy has persisted since 1989, driven by demands for independence or union with Pakistan. Tens of thousands of civilians, militants, and security personnel have died in the conflict.
While targeted killings have intensified in recent years — often against minority Hindu communities and migrant workers — Sunday’s attack represents a disturbing escalation, directly targeting visitors in one of the region’s most iconic tourist areas.
Security forces continue to scour the area in search of the attackers, as the nation mourns one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Kashmir in recent history.
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