Kashmir Tourist Attack: 26 Killed in Mass Shooting in Pahalgam

A deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has left at least 26 people dead and many more injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of domestic tourists visiting the scenic town of Pahalgam, often called the “Switzerland of India.”

The shooting occurred in Baisaran, a remote mountaintop meadow just 5 kilometers from Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. Vehicles cannot access the area, making the emergency response even more challenging.

What Happened?

According to authorities, the attackers opened fire without warning while tourists were resting. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, panic, and horror. One survivor said they were “having a snack when a man came and shot my husband.” Disturbing footage on social media shows pleas for help, injured people lying on the ground, and women crying for their loved ones.

Some reports suggest the attackers may have targeted non-Muslim tourists, though this has not been confirmed by officials.

Who Was Behind the Attack In Kashmir?

No group has claimed responsibility so far. While violence in Kashmir has decreased in recent years, militant attacks continue, especially during the tourist season. The region has seen a decades-long insurgency and remains a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of which claim it in full.

Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the perpetrators “animals” and said this was “larger than anything we have seen directed at civilians in recent years.”

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack” and vowed the culprits would be brought to justice. He directed Home Minister Amit Shah to travel to Srinagar and oversee an emergency security response.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that army and police teams have launched an anti-terror operation. Hospitals in the region are on high alert, treating multiple victims in critical condition.

Why This Matters

This is the deadliest attack on civilians in Kashmir since June 2024, when nine Hindu pilgrims were killed. It raises concerns about security failures in areas that have been heavily promoted for tourism. The government reported 3.5 million tourists visited Kashmir in 2024, making the region a key part of India’s domestic tourism strategy.

A man from Karnataka, visiting with his wife and child, was among the deceased—shot dead in front of his family.

A Fragile Peace

Since 2019, when India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s partial autonomy, violence had reportedly decreased. However, incidents like this highlight persistent risks. With over 500,000 Indian troops stationed in the region, critics argue that peace remains tenuous.

This attack also comes amid heightened political attention, as India continues to promote Kashmir as safe for tourism despite unresolved tensions and an undercurrent of unrest.

What Happens Next?

Security forces are combing the region in search of the attackers. Checkpoints have been reinforced, and tourist movement is being restricted. The central government is expected to release further updates following the security meeting in Srinagar.

Do you think promoting tourism in Kashmir is safe given the recurring violence? Why or why not?

More..

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-pahalgam-security-forces-terrorists-killed-tourist-injured-search-operation-police-pm-modi-hm-amit-shah-omar-abdullah/liveblog/120519770.cms
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9vyzzyjzlo
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-jammu-and-kashmir-terror-victim-pleads-for-help-says-save-my-husband-8227871