Terror Attack in Pahalgam: 26 Tourists Killed, Amit Shah Heads to Kashmir for Emergency Security Review

In a shocking and tragic turn of events, 26 tourists were killed and several others injured in a terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam today. The attack took place in the upper meadows of this popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as terrorists emerged from the nearby woods and opened fire on unarmed tourists without warning. The area where the attack happened is only reachable on foot or by ponies, making rescue efforts especially challenging. Military helicopters have been deployed to airlift the injured to hospitals.

Following the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately left for Srinagar on the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally spoke to him and requested that he visit the site. Mr Shah is expected to chair an emergency security review meeting with top officials from all agencies involved.

Earlier, he held a high-level meeting at his Delhi residence, attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh. Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat, along with Army officials, joined through video conferencing. Mr Shah also reached out to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the current Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha confirmed that a major anti-terror operation is now underway to track and eliminate those responsible. “The perpetrators of this heinous attack will have to pay a very heavy price,” he said, adding that he has directed the local administration and health teams to prioritise medical treatment for the injured.

Among the victims was a man from Shivamogga district in Karnataka, shot in front of his wife and son. Upon hearing of his death, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior state officials to gather full details.

Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and inhuman act”. He added that India’s resolve to defeat terrorism remains firm and will only grow stronger. Former CM Omar Abdullah called the attack “an abomination” and said he was “shocked beyond belief.” “These terrorists are inhuman and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he posted on social media.

Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, described the attack as “cowardly and highly reprehensible”.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, also expressed deep concern. “This violence is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced. Kashmir has always welcomed tourists with open arms. A full investigation is required to ensure justice and prevent such attacks in future,” she said.

The attack comes during the peak of tourist season and while the registration for the Amarnath Yatra is ongoing. The 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3, with routes passing through Pahalgam and Baltal. The increased tourist footfall was expected to bring economic relief to the region.

Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, had already ordered strict measures to wipe out terrorism and ensure zero tolerance for cross-border infiltration.

Ravinder Raina of the BJP and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge both condemned the attack. Mr Raina said, “These cowardly terrorists targeted innocent visitors,” while Mr Kharge called it “a blot on humanity”.

Security forces are currently combing the area in search of the attackers, and the entire region remains on high alert.

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