Tragedy in Kashmir: 28 Tourists Killed in Devastating Terror Attack near Pahalgam

Srinagar, Kashmir

A horrifying terrorist attack on Tuesday has left 28 people dead—most of them Indian tourists—after gunmen opened fire near the popular meadow of Baisaran, close to the scenic hill town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The victims, part of a large group visiting the high-altitude meadow, were ambushed at close range by at least four militants. Twenty-six people were killed instantly. Two others died later from their injuries while being taken to hospital. Among those lost was a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer who had recently married and was vacationing in the region. At least two foreign tourists are also believed to be among the deceased. Several others remain hospitalized, many in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses have described a chilling scene, with reports suggesting the attackers may have been selecting individuals before firing, and in at least one case, allegedly asked someone to recite an Islamic verse.

This attack is being described as one of the worst in recent memory to target civilians, particularly tourists, in Kashmir. The scale of the violence has drawn comparisons to the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in the Pahalgam area. Army units, CRPF, and local police, supported by special forces and sniffer dogs, are scouring a wide area around the attack site. Surveillance technology, including drones, is being used to track the suspects across the rugged terrain.

In response, security has been tightened across the Kashmir Valley. Extra checkpoints have been set up along major roads, and frisking operations have increased in cities like Srinagar and in popular destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Hotels that cater to tourists are also under heightened security, and emergency help desks have been set up in Srinagar and Anantnag to assist affected travelers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India following news of the attack. In a public statement, he strongly condemned the killings, calling them “cowardly and unforgivable,” and assured the nation that those responsible would be held accountable. He later chaired an emergency meeting to assess the situation on the ground.

The political response has been swift, with leaders across party lines denouncing the violence and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. Messages of support and condemnation of the attack have also come in from international leaders.

This tragic event adds to the long and troubled history of conflict in Kashmir, a region that has seen decades of tension and insurgency. While violence has never been far from the surface, tourists have largely been spared—until now. In recent years, there has been an increase in attacks targeting non-local workers and minority groups, but this incident marks a new and deeply disturbing shift.

As spring draws thousands to the valley for its breathtaking beauty, this massacre has cast a dark shadow over the season. There is grief. There is outrage. And there is a renewed sense of fear—for locals, for visitors, and for a region that continues to struggle between conflict and calm.