Pahalgam, April 22 – Terror struck the serene meadows of Baisaran near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon when armed assailants opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. The attack, which occurred around 3 PM, left over 20 people injured and multiple feared dead, though the final toll is still being confirmed. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as gunshots rang out in the open field, sending families scrambling for cover where none existed. Baisaran, often called ‘mini Switzerland’ for its lush beauty, quickly turned into a site of horror as bodies lay scattered and survivors cried for help.
The assault, labeled one of the worst on civilians in the region in recent years, came during a period of renewed tourist interest in Kashmir. It coincided with the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to India. In response, top officials including the Union Home Minister rushed to Srinagar to assess the security situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims and assuring that those responsible would face justice. “Our fight against terrorism will only grow stronger,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses recounted how terrorists emerged in the middle of the meadow and began firing at tourists riding ponies, eating at small stalls, or simply enjoying the view. Several locals helped evacuate the injured, even carrying them down on ponies to waiting ambulances. A woman survivor recounted that her husband was shot in the head, while others nearby were also wounded.
Political leaders across the spectrum expressed their outrage. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the incident “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years” and mourned the loss of innocent lives. Local MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani condemned the attack as cowardly and un-Islamic, vowing that those responsible would face severe consequences.
Security forces including the Army, CRPF, and local police launched a massive combing operation to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Pahalgam, which was bustling with tourists earlier in the day, quickly emptied out as fear gripped the valley once again. The attack has cast a dark shadow over the region’s fragile peace just as it was beginning to recover and draw visitors back.
