In one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years, at least 24 Hindu tourists were killed and 13 others injured, including five critically, when gunmen opened fire at a group of visitors in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, according to police sources cited by AFP.
The victims, reportedly from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, were targeted in a meticulously planned ambush. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers verified the religious identities of the victims through ID documents and clothing before opening fire. In a chilling moment captured by survivors, one woman could be heard pleading, “Save my husband, please,” amid the gunfire.
#WATCH | J&K | A tourist in shock and grief as terrorists target tourists in J&K's Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/9nMyntE5h8
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
Authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist attack, blaming militants opposed to Indian sovereignty in the region. The serene Baisaran meadow, a tourist hotspot famed for its scenic beauty, was bustling with visitors at the time of the assault.
Nationwide Condemnation and Emergency Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, expressing his deep condolences to the families of the victims. “The perpetrators’ evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to combat terrorism remains unwavering,” he said in a statement. The Prime Minister assured the public that justice would be served swiftly.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately convened a high-level security review and departed for Jammu & Kashmir, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. On platform X, Sinha vowed stern action: “Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. The entire nation is angry & the blood of our forces is boiling. I assure the nation, the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will pay a heavy price.”
In a swift response, the Anantnag Police set up a 24/7 emergency help desk for tourists and families of the victims. Security forces have sealed off the area and launched an intensive manhunt to track down the attackers.
Heightened Security and National Outrage
The attack has prompted an outpouring of grief and outrage across the country. The government has vowed to tighten security measures in the region and ensure the safety of tourists and local residents.