SRINAGAR: In a horrifying act of terror, a group of terrorists opened fire on tourists in the serene Baisaran valley near Pahalgam on Tuesday, turning a peaceful afternoon into a blood-soaked tragedy. The incident, which occurred around 3 PM, left 27 dead and many wounded. Most of the deceased and injured hail from the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
The confirmed injured include:
– Vino Bhat from Gujarat
– Manik Patil
– Rino Pandey
– S. Balachandru from Maharashtra
– Dr. Parmeshwar
– Abhijavan Rao from Karnataka
– Santru from Tamil Nadu
– Shashi Kumari from Odisha
Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers descended from the pine-covered ridges surrounding the valley, a popular destination known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and dubbed “mini Switzerland.” A widely circulated video from the scene captures the chaos—bodies lying still, women screaming, and survivors searching frantically for loved ones.
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Evacuation began swiftly. Locals helped carry the injured on ponies down to the base, while helicopters were deployed to shift the seriously hurt to hospitals. A doctor at the local facility confirmed the admission of 12 injured tourists, all reported to be in stable condition.
Security forces, including the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, arrived soon after the attack. A full-scale counter-insurgency operation was launched in the surrounding forests to track down the gunmen.
The attack comes just as the region braces for the annual Amarnath Yatra, with thousands of pilgrims expected to pass through this route starting July 3. Baisaran, besides being a key attraction for nature lovers, also serves as a vital camping point for trekkers heading toward Tulian Lake.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to ensure every necessary measure is taken. Shah is set to arrive in Srinagar by 8 PM and will personally visit the site of the incident on Wednesday morning after chairing a high level security meeting at Rajbhavan Srinagar on Tuesday late night.
In a post, the Home Minister expressed deep grief and issued a stern warning: “Those behind this barbaric act will face the harshest consequences.” He also confirmed briefing the Prime Minister and holding an emergency video meeting with top security officials.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condemned the attack, calling it “a despicable and cowardly assault on innocent lives.”
The timing of the attack is particularly sensitive, occurring on a day when US Vice President JD Vance was touring India with his family. Though he was in Rajasthan at the time, the broader security implications of the attack remain significant.
The once-bustling Pahalgam resort emptied rapidly as fearful tourists began fleeing. The tragedy has cast a long, dark shadow over one of Kashmir’s most iconic destinations—one that has always welcomed visitors with open arms and is now grappling with an unbearable loss.
