A deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left one tourist dead and 12 injured. Security forces have launched a manhunt as top leaders condemn the assault. The incident comes amid a busy tourist season and heightened preparations for the Amarnath Yatra.
In a devastating terror attack on Tuesday afternoon, a tourist was killed and at least 12 others, including several tourists and locals, were injured in Pahalgam hill station in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The attack took place in the Baisran meadow area, a scenic but remote location about 3 to 4 kilometers from the Pahalgam market, where tourists often travel by horseback.
According to official sources, two to three terrorists disguised in army fatigues opened fire around 2:30 p.m. on a group of horse-riding tourists. The area has since been cordoned off by security forces, who have launched a massive manhunt to track down the assailants. The injured were initially taken to Pahalgam hospital, with the critically wounded shifted to Srinagar for advanced care.
A heart-wrenching testimony came from a woman tourist from Karnataka, who lost her husband in the attack. She recounted how she and her son pleaded with the terrorists to be killed as well, but one of them instead told her to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the incident.
Prime Minister Modi, currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims and assuring strong retaliatory action. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” he said on social media platform X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior military officials have swiftly responded. Shah is en route to Srinagar and will lead a high-level security review. Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchendra Kumar and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are also traveling to oversee operations and relief.
Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack, calling it an inhuman and unacceptable assault on peace and tourism. “Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly; this rare act of violence is deeply concerning,” Mufti said, calling for a detailed investigation.
This incident marks the deadliest terror attack on tourists in Kashmir since the 1990s. It comes at a time of a booming tourism season, with hotels fully booked across the Valley and an expected influx of two crore visitors this year. It also coincides with preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3.
Security has been heightened across the Valley, and a helpline has been set up in Anantnag to assist families of the affected tourists.
