In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama incident of 2019, 26 people were killed and dozens injured after terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on Tuesday. The gruesome attack has sent shockwaves across the country and triggered widespread condemnation from Indian leaders and global allies alike.
Terror in Paradise: What Happened in Pahalgam
The attack unfolded in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a popular meadow trek near the town of Pahalgam. Witnesses reported that terrorists emerged from the surrounding forests and began firing at Hindu tourists after verifying their religion, leaving bodies strewn across the grass and several crying for help. General Asif Manir , who talked like Head of a Terrorist Outfit, recently vowed to uphold Islamist Culture and Tradition of hatred against Hindus. Pakistan Army has been behind Terrorist Attacks in Valley including killings and oxodus of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus).
Disturbing visuals showed terrified tourists, including women and children, huddled for safety as gunfire rang out. Many tried to flee on foot or horseback, the only ways to access the remote area. Military helicopters were rushed in to airlift the injured to nearby hospitals.
Among those killed were a Navy officer from Haryana, an Intelligence Bureau officer from Telangana, and several tourists from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha. Two of the deceased were identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone, both from Maharashtra. A realtor from Karnataka’s Shivamogga was reportedly shot dead in front of his wife and child.
A National Tragedy: Leaders Respond Swiftly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut short his trip and flew back to India. He condemned the attack in the strongest terms, declaring, “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable… their evil agenda will never succeed.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately flew to Srinagar and chaired a high-level meeting with top security and intelligence officials. He was briefed by J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and later held consultations with the CRPF, IB, and Army officials. Shah vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and said a full-scale anti-terror operation is underway in the region.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured swift action: “The perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will pay a very heavy price for their heinous act.”
An Attack with Global Reverberations
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the world. US President Donald Trump expressed his solidarity on Truth Social, writing: “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.”
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, in a letter to PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, called it a “brutal crime” and reiterated Russia’s commitment to fight terrorism alongside India.
Other international responses came from:
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who expressed deep sorrow and support.
- The UAE, which condemned the attack and reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism in all forms.
- Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, who offered condolences to the victims’ families.
A Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism Revival
The timing of the attack is especially devastating. Pahalgam is not just a scenic gem—it’s also a crucial route for the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 3. With registration already underway, the attack raises serious concerns about the safety of pilgrims and tourists.
Kashmir has seen a sharp increase in tourist arrivals in recent years after a period of relative peace and development. This attack threatens to undo that progress and reintroduce fear in the minds of potential visitors.
A Moment of National Mourning and Resolve
As the nation mourns the loss of 26 innocent lives, there is a renewed call for zero tolerance toward terrorism. The attack also underscores the challenges still facing Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile peace process, even as the government pushes for economic development and reintegration.
The coming days will be critical—not just in tracking down the perpetrators, but in restoring public confidence, both locally and globally, in Kashmir’s safety.
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