Pahalgam (J&K)

Shrieks for help pierced the skies of Baisaran meadows in this south Kashmir resort as more than a dozen tourists lay motionless in pools of blood following one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in recent years in Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavily armed terrorists walked out of the woods of Baisaran, a meadow atop a hill here, and surrounded a group of around 40 tourists. The terrorists started firing on the tourists indiscriminately, leaving multiple people dead and injuring at least 20.

Eyewitnesses claimed that as soon as the bullets started flying, the handful of locals who earn a livelihood from tourism ran for safety, leaving the tourists as sitting ducks.

"My husband was shot in the head... he was shot for not being a Muslim. Seven others are injured in the attack," a woman survivor told PTI over phone.

The woman, who did not identify herself, pleaded for help in evacuating the injured to the hospital.

"Bhaiyya please mere husband ko bacha lo (Brother, please save my husband)," the woman pleaded frantically with this reporter.

As the famed meadows are only accessible by foot or ponies, authorities had to summon choppers for the evacuation of the injured, officials said.

However, before the helicopter arrived at the scene, some of the injured were brought down by local people on their ponies.

The local tourist guides and ponywallahs consoled the survivors even as they summoned more people to evacuate the injured tourists on their shoulders to the nearest motorable point.

As soon as the news of the attack broke out, the roads and streets of Pahalgam wore a deserted look as the tourists, who had come in numbers, left the resort town to safer places.

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid "heartfelt" condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured ones. In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan handle said that the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful.

"The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable," the post reads.

"My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured," it added.

The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable.
My heartfelt condolences…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 22, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the death toll is still being ascertained. "This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said on X.

I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025

More than 30 persons were killed and 60 others injured in a terror attack on Amarnath base camp in Pahalgam in 2000.

A year later, 13 persons were killed and 15 others injured in an attack on Amarnath pilgrims at Sheshnag while 11 persons were killed in another attack in 2002 in the Pahalgam area.

Eight pilgrims were killed in a terror attack in 2017 as they were on the way home from Amarnath shrine.

A tourist couple from Rajasthan was injured in a firing incident by terrorists at Yannar in Pahalgam in May last year.

A video of the Pahalgam attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and looking for their near and dear ones. Some were too stunned to react and were being helped by locals.

"I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," CM Abdullah said.

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3.

Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country travel to the Amarnath cave shrine from the twin routes -- the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

Baisaran is a major tourist place in Pahalgam besides being a campsite for trekkers who want to move further up to Tulian Lake.

Condemnations pour in

The attack, which lasted around 3 to 5 minutes, has sparked strong condemnation from political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders across parties and people from different walks of life have strongly condemned the teeror act, calling it an assault on peace and the region's tourism sector.

Terrorists struck the prime tourist location of Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing multiple people and injuring at least 20, officials said.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," the L-G said in a post on X.

He said he had spoken to the director general of police and other security officials, and that teams of the Army and police had been rushed to the area to launch search operations.

Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. Entire nation is angry & blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 22, 2025

Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 22, 2025

"Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he added.

I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 22, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack.

"I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," he said in a post on X.

Abdullah said he has spoken to his ministerial colleague, Sakina Itoo, who has reached the hospital to oversee the arrangements for the injured.

"I'll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," the chief minister, who was in Jammu, added.

He also said the attack is "much larger than anything we have seen" directed at civilians in recent years.

"The death toll is still being ascertained so I don't want to get into those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said.

In a post on X, Dhankhar said, "Deeply anguished by the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Such acts of violence are reprehensible and deserve our strongest condemnation. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families in this hour of grief."

Deeply anguished by the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Such acts of violence are reprehensible and deserve our strongest condemnation. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families in this hour of grief.

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 22, 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Birla termed the terrorists' act "cowardly" while condemning the horrific incident.

"My condolences are with the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this attack. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured," he wrote on X.

जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में निर्दोष नागरिकों पर आतंकियों का कायराना हमला अत्यंत निंदनीय और दुःखद है।
मेरी संवेदनाएं इस हमले में जान गंवाने वाले नागरिकों के परिजनों के साथ हैं। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति, तथा घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ प्रदान करें।

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) April 22, 2025

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said such attacks must be denounced.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced," she said in a post on X.

I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now . Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced.

Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply…

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 22, 2025

The former chief minister said historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning, and called for a thorough investigation.

"A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," she added.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) strongly condemned the attack, describing it as the most unfortunate and shameful act.

"The rank and file of the JKPCC, led by president Tariq Hameed Karra, strongly denounce the militant attack on tourists. It is very shocking and anguishing to learn about the mindless and dastardly militant attack on innocent tourists," it said in a statement.

Such incidents are highly deplorable and have no place in a civilised society, it added.

The incident has put a big question mark on the tall claims of the Bharatiya Jnata Party-led Centre with regard to the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the statement said, adding that the perpetrators of the heinous crime must be identified and given exemplary punishment.

People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the perpetrators of the attack are the worst enemies of Kashmiris.

"Condemn strongly the dastardly and cowardly attack in Pahalgam. For decades we have been identified with being great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all," he said in a post on X.

Condemn strongly the dastardly and cowardly attack in Pahalgam. For decades we have been identified with being great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all.

Tourism industry has suffered. And people involved in tourism have…

— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 22, 2025

Lone said the tourism industry here has suffered a lot and those involved in the sector have begun to restart their lives after a long time.

"They had begun to dream. And here are the ugly villains to shatter it all. Make no mistake. These terror attacks are aimed at yet again disempowering us economically. Those who do this are the worst enemies of Kashmiris.

"They defile our history of hospitality, smearing our glorious past. And they are a curse on our present. They are enemies of our children or our young generation. We have to unitedly send a message that there is no tolerance for terror. Let us live our lives in peace and economic dignity. Please get out of our lives. These tourists are our revered guests," Lone said.

Senior CPI(M) leader M Tarigami termed the attack an inhuman act.

"Condemning the dastardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. The inhuman act of violence deserves to be denounced in the strongest terms. Such cowardly attacks on innocent civilians have no place in any civilised society," he said.

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said such violence is unacceptable.

"Deeply disturbing news from Pahalgam of a cowardly attack on tourists that has resulted in tragic loss of life. Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. Condemn it strongly. Thoughts and prayers with the families of victims and wishing speedy recovery to the injured," the Mirwaiz said in a post on X.

Deeply disturbing news from Pahalgam of a cowardly attack on tourists that has resulted in tragic loss of life . Such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth. Condemn it strongly. Thoughts and prayers with the…

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 22, 2025

BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the attack is a deliberate attempt to cripple the economic backbone of the valley.

"Terrorists, frustrated by the growing peace and normalcy in the region, want to send a message of fear and instability. But their real target is the livelihood of the common Kashmiri," he said.

Thakur accused Pakistan of fuelling terrorism in the region out of frustration.

Union Minister JP Nadda also termed the targeting of innocent civilians as "highly reprehensible".

"Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The brutal targeting of innocent civilians in this cowardly attack is highly reprehensible. The Modi Government follows a Zero-Tolerance Policy against terrorism. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared," Nadda said on X.

"The Union Home Minister is visiting the affected area, and the Hon. Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation. We are committed to supporting all the affected families and will provide all necessary assistance," he added.

Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The brutal targeting of innocent civilians in this cowardly attack is highly reprehensible. Modi Government follows a Zero-Tolerance Policy against terrorism. Those involved in this heinous act…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) April 22, 2025

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted to the incident, stating, "Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families."

Deeply anguished by the news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 22, 2025

Meanwhile, Security forces and police personnel rushed to the site immediately after the attack. Ambulances were also rushed to the location.

Strongly reacting to the incident, Syed Naseruddin Chishty, successor to the spritual head of Ajmer Dargah, said he is shocked and saddened by the attack. "This henious act is not only a black spot on humanity but also a clear violation of the principles of Islam, which stands for peace, compassion and the sanctity of life," he said.

He urged the government must respond with the same strength and determination as it did after the Pulwama attack to ensure that such a cowardly act is not repeated. "I urge the government to take immidiate and effective steps to root out terrorism from its very foundation," he said and added, "We stand united with the victims and their families in this moment of grief". "We affirm our commitment to a peaceful and terror-free nation," he concluded.

In a statement to the media, Akib Chaya, president of the Hotelier Club, Gulmarg, described the attack a cowardly and inhuman act that has not only shaken the conscience of every peace-loving citizen but has also left an indelible scar on the soul of our valley.

“I on behalf of the entire hotelier community and hospitality sector across the region extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the victims and their families who have suffered unimaginable pain and loss in this senseless act of violence. We stand in absolute solidarity with them during this time of grief and sorrow,” he said, unequivocally condemning the heinous and despicable act of terror.

“Such brutal attacks have no place in our community, our state or in any civilized society. They are the desperate attempts of misguided and frustrated elements who cannot bear to see the return of peace, progress and harmony in our land – a region that has long yearned for normalcy and healing,” he added.

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He said the resurgence of tourism, the spirit of brotherhood and the promise of a brighter future have begun to define Jammu & Kashmir once again in recent time. It is precisely this collective progress and unity that threatens the dark ideologies of those who thrive on fear and division.

“We call upon the current Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union of India to take the strongest possible action against the perpetrators and masterminds behind this barbarity. Justice must be swift and uncompromising. Our people deserve to live without fear and we must ensure such evil finds no refuge now or ever. Let this tragic day strengthen our resolve to stand together, stronger and more united than ever before for a peaceful and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.