26 dead, several injured in terror attack on tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam

“Our reports say that two-three militants appeared and opened indiscriminate fire at the tourists at Baisaran,” a senior police officer told The Indian Express. “The initial reports we have suggest that eight tourists were injured in the attack. A few of them are in critical condition,” the officer said.

Baisaran, which is accessible only by foot, is a popular tourist destination and is crowded during the tourist season.

Immediately after the incident, a police team rushed to the spot, along with Army and paramilitary forces, to evacuate the tourists and launch a search operation to trace the militants behind the attack.

This is the first terrorist attack on tourists this year. The last time militants attacked tourists was in May, last year, when two tourists were injured. That incident also took place in Pahalgam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and held a telephonic conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah from Jeddah. Shah is shortly leaving for Srinagar.

“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” Modi tweeted.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone have condemned the attack on the tourists.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam… Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning,” Mufti said in a post on X. “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 attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” she said.

Terming the attackers “enemies of our future”, Sajad Lone said the attack was a “dastardly and cowardly act aimed at destablising Kashmir’s tourism industry and economy”.

“For decades, we have been identified as great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all,” Lone said in an official release. “After years of struggle, our tourism industry was finally stirring back to life. People had begun to dream again — to rebuild. And here come these ugly villains to crush hope.”

Lone said the attackers are the worst enemies of Kashmiris. “They defile our history of hospitality, smearing our glorious past. And they are a curse on our present. They are enemies of our children, of our young generation,” he said, adding, “We have to unitedly send a message that there is no tolerance for terror. Let us live our lives in peace and economic dignity.”