In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, a serene meadow near Pahalgam turned into a war zone on Tuesday (April 22) afternoon, as heavily armed Islamist terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. The attackers asked for the identities of the people; if they found them to be Hindu, they shot them.
Among the worst hit was a family of five from Pune, Maharashtra, who were in the middle of a photo session in traditional Kashmiri attire when gunmen struck. The assault, which left at least 26 people dead and scores injured, has been claimed by a shadow outfit affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The shooting took place in Baisaran, a lush green hilltop meadow just six kilometres from the bustling tourist hub of Pahalgam. Popularly dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its pine-lined slopes and scenic beauty, Baisaran was packed with tourists, families picnicking, children riding ponies, and vendors selling snacks, when the calm afternoon was shattered by a hail of bullets.
According to eyewitnesses and security officials, the attackers appeared to have carefully studied the site before launching the assault. Dressed in what appeared to be local police uniforms and wearing army-style camouflage face masks, they blended into the crowd before opening fire with automatic weapons.
A chilling first-hand account was shared by one of the survivors from the Pune family, a woman who narrowly escaped the massacre. Speaking to India Today TV, she recounted the terrifying moments when the family was ambushed.
“We were getting our photos clicked in traditional Kashmiri clothes when suddenly they came from behind and started firing. Some began shooting right away, while others dragged Hindus from the crowd and forced them to recite the Azan. When they refused or hesitated, they were shot,” she said.
“My father and uncle were among them. They shot them point-blank. The terrorists kept saying their religion was in danger because of the presence of Hindus. It reminded me of the 26/11 attacks. Their tactics, their uniforms, even the masks — it was like a repeat of Mumbai.”
Security officials have not ruled out the possibility of the attackers having inside support, given the choice of location and the timing. “It was a soft target, chosen to spread maximum fear among civilians and tourists,” said an officer involved in the preliminary investigation.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the killings and issued a strong warning to the perpetrators.
“They (terrorists) will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” the PM posted on X (formerly Twitter), vowing decisive action against those behind the carnage.
In the aftermath of the attack, security has been tightened across tourist hotspots in the Valley, and combing operations are underway to track down the assailants. Intelligence agencies are also investigating possible cross-border links, as this marks the first major attack of such scale in the region in over four years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has convened a high-level security review meeting, while the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced ex-gratia relief for the victims’ families. He also met the families this morning.
