Srinagar: In a major terror attack on Tuesday afternoon, militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley, a popular destination in south Kashmir, leaving multiple people feared dead and at least 20 injured.
Officials said the attackers descended from the surrounding forest and targeted tourists around 3 PM. A video from the site showed scenes of chaos, with people lying on the ground and others crying for help. However, the video has not been independently verified.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it one of the deadliest on civilians in recent years. “This attack on our visitors is an abomination,” he posted on X. He added that the final death toll was still being confirmed.
Some of the injured were rescued by locals using ponies, while others were airlifted by helicopter to nearby hospitals. A doctor at Pahalgam hospital was reported to have said that 12 tourists had been admitted and were in stable condition.
Security forces, including the Army, CRPF, and local police, launched a large-scale search operation to track down the assailants. The attack site, Baisaran—often referred to as “mini Switzerland”—is a key tourist spot and also serves as a base for trekkers heading to Tulian Lake.
The incident occurred just weeks ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, and at a time when Kashmir has been witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals.
Officials said the normally bustling Pahalgam resort emptied quickly after the attack as tourists fled the area fearing further violence.
