What was supposed to be a peaceful day in the scenic valley of Pahalgam turned into horror on Tuesday when a group of gunmen opened fire on tourists, killing at least 26 in what is being called the deadliest civilian attack in Kashmir in years.
The gunfire erupted around 2:30pm in Baisaran, a hilltop spot known as “mini Switzerland” for its alpine beauty, just outside Pahalgam in southern Kashmir. The area, usually packed with families and couples enjoying horse rides and meadow picnics, quickly descended into chaos as attackers began firing on the crowd.
Eyewitnesses say four to six gunmen dressed in military-style clothing came out from the nearby forest and fired rapidly into the open. In the confusion, panicked tourists scattered, some ducking behind trees, while others had nowhere to hide in the wide open field.
The attackers reportedly spared women and targeted men. Survivors described the scene as a nightmare that lasted for nearly 20 minutes, with shots being fired at random. Locals said the sound of bullets was so constant it felt like a thunderstorm tearing through the valley.
A woman who witnessed her husband being killed told police that a gunman approached them and asked if he was Muslim. When he said no, the man shot him at close range. Her video testimony went viral online, sparking grief and outrage nationwide.
Local pony operators and shopkeepers rushed to help the injured, carrying many of them on horseback down the hills for emergency care. Some victims were later evacuated by military helicopters as soldiers sealed off the area and began searching for the attackers.
Despite a quick response from security forces, none of the gunmen had been captured by the following afternoon. Authorities have since launched a wide manhunt and increased military presence across the region.
The deadly attack has raised serious concerns about tourist safety and exposed gaps in security at popular destinations. Pahalgam is one of Kashmir’s most visited spots, and the attack is a blow to government efforts to revive tourism in the region.
Over the past few years, the Indian government has promoted Kashmir as a peaceful destination, especially after revoking its special status in 2019. Tourist numbers have surged, with over 22 million visitors in 2023 alone. But this attack threatens to shake the sense of normalcy the government has been trying to project.
While the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, the attack has sparked renewed fears of unrest in a region already grappling with militant violence and political tensions.