At least 12 tourists were injured and one feared dead in a terrorist attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, on Tuesday morning, officials confirmed. Unidentified gunmen opened fire at close range on a group of tourists visiting the meadow, accessible only by foot or pony, an eyewitness reported.
Security forces, including the Army and J&K Police, rushed to Baisaran after gunfire was reported and initiated search operations to track the attackers.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the “cowardly” attack, assuring that those responsible would face justice. He directed district and health officials to provide immediate medical care and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the death toll is still being verified, emphasising that the attack is among the largest targeting civilians in recent years. He wrote on X, "I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. 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. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Pahalgam terror attack and asked him to take all suitable measures. He also asked Amit Shah to visit the site.
Following the terror attack, Amit Shah called a high-level meeting. The meeting is being attended by the Home Secretary, senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Jammu and Kashmir officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), are attending the meeting virtually.
The incident occurs as Kashmir experiences a surge in tourism following years of militancy. It also precedes the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage, starting July 3, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims via the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter, steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
