Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Killed in J&K's Deadliest Assault Since Pulwama
In a tragic escalation of violence, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 people, including innocent tourists and security personnel. The attack, the deadliest since the Pulwama incident in 2019, took place in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty. Eyewitnesses reported that terrorists emerged from the surrounding woods and began firing indiscriminately at a group of tourists, triggering panic and chaos.
Distressing visuals from the site showed several people lying motionless on the ground, while survivors, including women, desperately pleaded for help. The area, accessible only by foot or horseback, made rescue efforts extremely challenging. Military helicopters were quickly deployed to evacuate the injured, while local health authorities provided emergency medical aid.
Among the deceased were tourists from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha. A realtor from Karnataka was reportedly shot in front of his wife and son, while an accountant from Balasore, Odisha, was also confirmed dead. Two tourists from Maharashtra — Dilip Disle and Atul Mone — lost their lives, while others sustained serious injuries. The attack also claimed the lives of a Navy officer from Haryana and an Intelligence Bureau officer from Telangana.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar last evening and held an urgent security review with all top agencies, including the CRPF, Army, and Intelligence Bureau. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time of the incident, cut short his trip and returned to India. He strongly condemned the attack, stating, “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will only grow stronger.”
US Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting India, also expressed his condolences, calling the attack "devastating." Global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident and extended solidarity with India. Trump called it "deeply disturbing" and reiterated America's commitment to supporting India against terrorism.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that an anti-terror operation has been launched to track down the perpetrators. He assured that those responsible “will pay a heavy price” for their heinous actions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed similar sentiments, labeling the act as cowardly and inhuman.
The attack has cast a dark shadow over the region’s tourism revival. Pahalgam is a key route for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. Authorities are now reassessing security arrangements for the pilgrimage, as the safety of visitors remains a critical concern.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns yet another reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism. Leaders across political lines have united in their condemnation and emphasized the urgent need to ensure such incidents are never repeated.
