Jammu And Kashmir: Several Tourists Feared Killed; Amit Shah Rushes To Srinagar

Kashmir Tourists Attacked: In one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Kashmir in recent years, multiple tourists were feared killed and at least 20 injured after terrorists opened fire near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam on Monday afternoon. A high-ranking official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested the death toll could exceed 20, though exact numbers are still being verified. Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed the prime minister, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, said he was leaving for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all agencies.

Describing the incident as 'much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years', Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said efforts were underway to ascertain the full scale of the tragedy. The attack occurred around 3 PM, even as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is on a high-profile visit to India. Officials say this may be the most significant terror strike in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 47 CRPF personnel.

Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with tourists and trekkers. Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, officials said.

Army, CRPF, and local police personnel rushed to Baisaran—once a favorite filming spot in the 1980s—after reports of gunfire emerged from the area, officials said. A massive anti-terror operation has been launched, with security forces fanning out across the region to track down the attackers.

Earlier bustling with tourists, Pahalgam town fell eerily silent as news of the attack spread. Visitors began leaving in large numbers, cutting short their vacations. The incident has cast a shadow over what had been a booming tourist season in Kashmir, following years of militancy. Baisaran, a picturesque meadow and popular campsite for trekkers heading toward Tulian Lake, is accessible from Pahalgam by foot or horseback. The site offers sweeping views of Pahalgam town and the Lidder Valley—now marked by fear and uncertainty.

Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with tourists and trekkers.
Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, officials said.

Purported videos from the spot showed the chilling sight of lifeless bodies and women crying. No independent official verification was available. "My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack," a woman survivor told PTI over phone. As gunshots rang out, there was panic and tourists ran for cover but there was no place to hide in the wide, open space, said another woman tourist.

The entire district administration and police force was mobilised and ambulances pressed into service. A chopper also helped evacuate those injured. Some of the injured were brought down from the meadow by local people on their ponies.

The Kashmir Valley has witnessed its first terrorist attack targeting tourists in 2025, even as the region experiences an exceptionally busy tourist season. Hotels across Srinagar, as well as popular destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, are fully booked. Authorities project an unprecedented influx of visitors this year, with estimates suggesting that nearly two crore tourists are expected to visit Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, reported ANI.

Tuesday's attack comes at a time when registration for this year's Amarnath Yatra is going on across the country. This year, the Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals, respectively. During his visit to J&K last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting, where he gave orders for the complete eradication of terrorism with special focus on the Jammu division. He also gave directions to ensure zero tolerance to infiltration.