Terror Strikes Pahalgam: Multiple Tourists Killed, Evacuation Underway

Pahalgam: In a devastating terror strike in the picturesque town of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, several tourists lost their lives and many others sustained injuries today after unidentified terrorists opened fire in the upper meadows of Baisaran Valley. The valley, accessible only by foot or horseback, turned into a site of tragedy as gunshots rang out in what is believed to be a targeted assault by camouflaged assailants.

Military helicopters were immediately deployed for emergency evacuation of the injured to medical facilities, with at least one tourist already shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a telephonic conversation, directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the site and take all necessary measures. Shah is expected to arrive in Srinagar shortly to chair an urgent high-level security review meeting with central and state agencies. Earlier, he convened an emergency meeting at his residence in Delhi with Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior Army officials.

Expressing deep anguish, PM Modi condemned the “abominable” attack and reaffirmed that India’s resolve to defeat terrorism remains “unshakable.” Home Minister Shah echoed this, assuring the nation that “those responsible will be punished.”

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha denounced the attack as “despicable” and confirmed the launch of a full-scale anti-terror operation. “The perpetrators will pay a very heavy price for this heinous act,” he said.

Among the victims was a realtor from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, reportedly shot in front of his wife and son. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting to gather updates and extend support to the bereaved family.

Political leaders across the spectrum strongly condemned the attack. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah termed the assault “shocking beyond belief,” calling the attackers “inhuman animals.” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the violence as “unacceptable” and called for a thorough investigation into security lapses. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge labelled it a “blot on humanity,” while BJP’s Ravinder Raina said the terrorists had targeted “innocent, unarmed civilians.”

The attack comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley is witnessing a surge in tourism and preparations are underway for the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3. The Pahalgam route, which spans 48 km, is one of the key pilgrimage paths.

Just days ago, Home Minister Shah had chaired a security review in J&K, ordering a crackdown on terrorism with a zero-tolerance policy for infiltration.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the act as “cowardly and highly reprehensible,” stressing that those behind it will be brought to justice.