What happened in Pahalgam as 26 tourists shot dead?
In shocking news, almost twenty-six people were killed and several others were injured as terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam yesterday, marking the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times.
The attack, which occurred around 2:30 pm, left 26 people dead and over 20 injured.
An officer from the Navy and another from the Intelligence Bureau have also lost their lives in the attack.
Military choppers were pressed into service for the evacuation of those injured in the attack, as the area is only accessible on foot or horseback.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar last evening, where he was briefed by Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India on Tuesday night after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley.
The attack happened while US Vice President JD Vance was in India, and PM Modi had to skip an official dinner in Saudi Arabia to return home.
PM Modi strongly condemned the attack and said the government’s “resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger”.
“The evil agenda will never succeed,” he added.
Mr Vance also condemned the “devastating terrorist attack”.
“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. US President Donald Trump has said that America “stands strong” with India after the “deeply disturbing” Kashmir attack. Trump will also be speaking to PM Modi “as soon as he possibly can” to express his condolences, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Soon after the attack, Amit Shah called a meeting at his home in Delhi, which was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the sources said.
CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, the J&K Director General of Police and some Army officials also joined the meeting through video conferencing.
Mr Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.
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An anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralise the terrorists, informed Mr Sinha, asserting the “perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act”.
In his last visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr 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 of infiltration.
Pahalgam is a popular spot
Pahalgam, known for its forests, crystal-clear lakes and sprawling meadows, is a popular tourist spot and draws thousands of visitors every summer.
The attack comes during the peak tourist season in the Valley and also when registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra is going on across the country.
The 38-day pilgrimage is set to begin on July 3, from two routes – the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the other 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, which is shorter but steeper.
Tourists From Several States Among Those Dead
Two tourists from Maharashtra and one from Karnataka were among those killed in Pahalgam.
A realtor from Shivamogga district in Karnataka was allegedly shot dead in front of his wife and son.
As news broke about the man’s death, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior officials to gather information.
Two tourists – identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone – from Maharashtra have lost their lives, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Two others were injured in this terrorist attack, he said. An accountant from Odisha’s Balasore was also killed by terrorists.
“Abomination”
Terming the attack an “abomination”, Omar Abdullah said he was “shocked beyond belief”. “The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” he posted on X.
“Needless to say, this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to bring those behind the “despicable attack” to justice. He said he has spoken to the director general of police and other security officials.
“Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” he said.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the dastardly attack an “act of cowardice and highly reprehensible”.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on tourists and said, “Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced.”
“Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” she added.
“These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir,” BJP’s Ravinder Raina said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the “dastardly attack”, calling it “a blot on humanity”.
World Leaders condemn the attack
US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among world leaders who expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam attack.
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Putin, in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, condemned the “brutal crime” and asserted Russia’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’as said his country was “deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists”.
Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror. 🇮🇱🇮🇳— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 22, 2025
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed its “permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism”.
The attack on tourists comes at a time when the Union Territory is witnessing a boost in tourism, which was severely hit by terrorism for years.
It is the deadliest attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama attack in 2019. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in the line of action in a suicide attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama.
