In an act of violence, terrorists opened fire in the popular tourist destination of Baisaran near Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 20 others, including several tourists. Among the deceased were individuals from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
The attack, which took place in the serene meadows of Baisaran — often referred to as “mini Switzerland” — shattered what had begun as a routine day for the 1,500 tourists visiting the spot. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the terrorists, allegedly disguised in uniform, emerged from the dense pine forests and indiscriminately opened fire on unsuspecting visitors.
Anti-Pakistan protests were held in Jammu city following the terror attack in Pahalgam, with a demand of an operation to drive out terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir, The Hindu reported.
Protest led by president Rakesh Kumar, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal (RBD), a protest was carried out in Jammu against the attack. They raised slogans against Pakistan and burnt its flag.
Kumar condemned the attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a “targeted killing of Hindus.”
“This attack took place just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. Registration for the yatra has only recently begun, and this act is clearly aimed at creating a fear among the Hindu pilgrims,” The Hindu quoted Kumar.
“Survivors say the terrorists asked for the identity of the victims before killing them, which clearly indicates a targeted assault,” he said.
International condemnation followed swiftly. US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on his maiden visit to India, said, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack."
US President Donald Trump also posted on Truth Social, stating, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism."
"We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. [Indian] Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!," Trump added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia, decided to cut short his visit and return to India early. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar on Tuesday night. PM Modi vowed on X that the perpetrators of the “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger..”
The attack comes just weeks before the 38-day Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3, a time when tourist inflow to the region traditionally surges. Pilgrims usually travel through either the 48-km Pahalgam route or the steeper 14-km Baltal route.
“Suddenly, they opened fire on the men and left the women unharmed. They shot some of the men from point-blank range,” one survivor recalled.
Another tourist, Vinay Bai from Gujarat, said, “I was on a pony, about to enter Baisaran, when there were gunshots. People started to run for their lives… a bullet hit me in the elbow," The Indian Express reported.
The dead include Manjunath Rao, a businessman from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, and Prashant Satpathy, an accountant from Odisha’s Balasore district.
Security forces have been placed on high alert, and the Jammu region has witnessed a spate of protests in response to the violence. In the Kishtwar district, adjacent to the attack site, authorities had earlier killed three foreign militants on April 10-11, seizing a cache of weapons including M-4 and AK rifles.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly act.” “My thoughts are with the families of the victims of this cowardly act, perpetrators of which will face the harshest consequences.,” he said in a post on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the loss of Manjunath Rao and confirmed that a team of officials had been dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir to assist affected families.
Meanwhile, a dedicated help desk has been established at the Police Control Room in Anantnag to assist tourists. The control room can be reached at 9596777669, 01932225870 or via WhatsApp at 9419051940.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a bandh on Wednesday to protest the killings, and local groups in Doda and Kishtwar have also announced shutdowns.
As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the incident has reignited concerns about the security of civilians and tourists in the Valley — especially during peak travel seasons and the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage.
Timeline of Major Attacks on Civilians in Kashmir Since 2000:
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March 2000: 36 Sikhs killed in Chattisinghpora
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August 2000: 32 killed at Nunwan base camp
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July 2001: 13 killed at Sheshnag base camp
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2002: 11 Amarnath yatris killed at Chandanwari
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November 2002: 19 killed in Lower Munda IED blast
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March 2003: 24 Kashmiri Pandits killed in Pulwama
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June 2005: 16 killed, over 100 injured in Pulwama car blast
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June 2006: 9 labourers killed in Kulgam
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July 2017: 8 killed in attack on Amarnath Yatra bus in Kulgam
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