At least 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir when armed individuals opened fire at a scenic location near Pahalgam, also known as Mini Switzerland. Security forces have attributed the attack to militants opposing Indian governance, which also resulted in numerous injuries.
According to senior officials, at least four individuals, identified as militants, shot at numerous tourists at close range in Baisaran meadow, roughly three miles from Pahalgam. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of at least 26 bodies, with approximately 36 others injured, many in critical condition.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants emerged from a thickly wooded area before firing upon civilians visiting the picturesque valley near Pahalgam. The attack occurred during the peak tourist season, which sees hundreds of thousands of visitors drawn to the region’s stunning Himalayan vistas.
The deceased included 24 Indian tourists, a visitor from Nepal, and a local guide. The incident has caused widespread concern among tourists, with many opting to leave Kashmir, and travel agencies reporting a 90% decline in bookings following the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and called the attack a “heinous act.” He pledged that those responsible would face justice and affirmed India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.
India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, stated on social media that authorities would impose “the harshest consequences” on the perpetrators. In response, the Indian government has deployed a significant number of police and military personnel in a large-scale operation to apprehend the attackers.
India has taken retaliatory actions against Pakistan, which it accuses of supporting militant groups. These actions include closing the main border crossing, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military advisers, and requesting Pakistani visa holders to leave the country.
An obscure militant organization named Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility, stating it was in retaliation for what they described as “demographic changes” following the revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019.
The attack coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s four-day visit to India. Vance described the attack as “devastating” and expressed that he and his delegation had been “overcome with the beauty of this country and its people” during their visit. He added that their thoughts and prayers were with those mourning this horrific attack.
President Donald Trump noted the “deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir” and declared: “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
This incident is the deadliest against civilians in Kashmir since 2019, severely impacting the tourism-reliant economy of the region. Officials have assured full refunds and assistance for tourists affected while enhancing security measures throughout the area.
Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic snow-capped mountains and pine forests, attracting numerous visitors daily. In 2024, around 3.5 million tourists visited Kashmir as part of government initiatives to promote tourism in the region.
However, visitors often encounter a strong security presence with checkpoints, armored vehicles, and patrolling soldiers, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region, which has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan for decades.
The Cabinet Committee on Security met to discuss the response to the attack, which is expected to be “loud and clear” against the perpetrators. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed a “strong response” not just against the perpetrators but also against those who masterminded the attack in Pahalgam.
Analysts suggest that India might launch a military response, possibly involving cross-border firing or airstrikes, to demonstrate resolve and restore deterrence. However, such actions risk escalating tensions with Pakistan, potentially leading to significant conflict between the nuclear-armed nations.
The attack has also raised concerns about security oversights that allowed it to happen during peak tourist season in a region where the Indian government exercises direct control over law and order. This highlights a serious lapse in security protocols in the Union Territory, which came under direct federal control after its semi-autonomous status was revoked in 2019.
India and Pakistan both administer parts of Kashmir, but each claims the entire territory. Militants in the Indian-administered section have been resisting New Delhi’s authority since 1989, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths among civilians, rebels, and security forces.
