Terror strikes Kashmir: 26 people, mostly tourists, killed in Pahalgam's 'mini Switzerland'

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, are believed to have lost their lives in near Kashmir’s Pahalgam town in Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon, in what is the deadliest attack in the Kashmir Valley since in 2019.

The 26 dead included two foreigners and two locals, a high-ranking official said without getting into details, though the government is yet to announce an official death toll. The toll was still being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister had said in an earlier social media post, while describing the terror attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years".

The attack, which comes as US vice-president J.D. Vance is visiting India and just as the tourist and trekking season is picking up momentum, took place at around 3.00 pm, officials said.

According to media reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-backed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was targeted at Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with tourists.

Armed terrorists rushed into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland’, and began firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking, officials and eyewitnesses said. At least 20 people were injured in the strike in the volatile Kashmir Valley, where tourists have so far mostly been spared.

Officials said it was possible that members of TRF could have crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran through Kokernag in south Kashmir.

Union home minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, and soon after to hold an urgent security review meeting with all agencies.

The Jammu and Kashmir government set up a round-the-clock emergency helpline to assist tourists in the wake of the attack. "A 24x7 emergency help desk has been established by Anantnag district administration for tourists requiring assistance or information. Tourists can contact 01932222337, 7780885759, 9697982527 or 6006365245 for information or assistance," an official spokesperson said.

He said an emergency control room has been established in Srinagar as well. Tourists can contact 01942457543, 01942483651 or 7006058623 for assistance on the incident, he said.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” the prime minister said on X. "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."

Eyewitnesses painted a chilling picture of gunfire breaking the calm of a regular Tuesday afternoon with scores of people enjoying their day out. Cries for help were heard as lifeless bodies lay motionless in pools of blood. Some put the number of attackers at five.

"My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack," a woman survivor told PTI.