Pahalgam: 26 tourists have been killed in a terrorist attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon, while over 17 others were injured. Three among those dead were from Gujarat. They were Sumit and Yatish Parmar from Bhavnagar and Shailesh Kalathiya from Surat. Sumit and Yatish are father son. Two Gujaratis who are among the list of injured persons are Dabhi Vinodbhai and Vijaybhai.

The attack occurred around 3 PM in Baisaran, a scenic meadow accessible only on foot or by pony ride, where a group of tourists was visiting. Islamists terrorists opened fire at close range, injuring several people. Before opening fire, the terrorists asked the tourists’ names and targeted them when they were found to be non-Muslims.

Eyewitnesses said that the attackers emerged from the pine-covered ridges surrounding the valley, a tourist hotspot often referred to as “mini Switzerland” for its stunning alpine beauty. A widely shared video from the site shows the chaos that unfolded—bodies lying motionless, terrified screams from women, and survivors desperately searching for their loved ones.

Evacuation efforts began immediately. Locals assisted by carrying the injured on ponies to the base, while helicopters airlifted the critically wounded to nearby hospitals. A doctor at the local medical facility confirmed that 12 injured tourists were admitted and are in stable condition.

Security personnel, including the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, reached the scene quickly. A large-scale counter-insurgency operation was launched in the nearby forests to locate the attackers.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia, spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, directing him to ensure strict action and visit the site. Shah, in a post on X, said the attackers would face the harshest punishment. Later, Shah traveled to Srinagar for a high-level security review.

Condemning the attack, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the assailants “inhuman” and “animals,” stating that no words of condemnation would be enough.

PM Modi also condemned the incident, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and emphasized that such acts will not go unpunished. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed similar sentiments, calling the attack cowardly and despicable, and extended his prayers to those affected.

The attack comes just as preparations are underway for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which sees thousands of pilgrims passing through this route starting July 3. DeshGujarat