In a deeply tragic turn of events, the serene and picturesque meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam were shattered by violence on Tuesday afternoon as terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists, leaving at least 26 people dead, including two foreign nationals. Dozens more were injured, many critically, and officials fear the toll may rise.
The attack, which took place in one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations, has shocked the nation. Survivors recount terrifying moments as gunmen emerged from nearby forests and began firing at random. The Resistance Front, a known offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the massacre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, immediately cut short his trip and is returning to New Delhi. The Prime Minister had been monitoring the situation closely and is expected to chair a high-level security meeting upon his return.
The horror of the attack has sent ripples across the globe. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the many world leaders who condemned the violence and offered their condolences. President Trump, in a personal message to PM Modi, affirmed that the United States stands firmly with India in the fight against terrorism. Similar sentiments were echoed by Israel, Italy, and several other nations.
Among the victims were tourists from across India — Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka — and foreign nationals whose identities are yet to be officially disclosed. Heart-wrenching stories have emerged, including that of Dinesh Mirania, a businessman from Raipur, who was killed on his wedding anniversary while vacationing with his family. An Intelligence Bureau officer from Telangana and a Navy officer and his wife were also among those who lost their lives.
In Srinagar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the situation. Emergency help desks have been set up in Anantnag and Srinagar to assist those affected and their families. Airlines such as Air India have announced additional flights from Srinagar and are offering free rescheduling and cancellations.
Across India, voices of condemnation and grief rang out. Protests broke out in Jammu, with citizens demanding justice and strong action against the perpetrators. Schools across the Kashmir valley will remain closed as a mark of respect to the victims. Religious and social organizations have called for a hartal in solidarity with the affected families.
The nation has united in mourning, with spiritual leaders like Ravi Shankar Guruji urging people to come together against hatred and violence. “In moments like these, words fall short,” he said, “but the strength of our collective spirit can help begin the healing.”
As India grieves this senseless loss of innocent lives, there is a renewed call for compassion, vigilance, and unity. The attack on unsuspecting tourists — people simply seeking peace and beauty in nature — is not just a national tragedy, but a reminder of the enduring threat of terrorism and the importance of standing strong, together, in the face of such cruelty.
