In one of the deadliest attacks in recent years, 26 tourists are feared dead after unidentified terrorists opened fire at a popular resort area in Baisaran, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, on Tuesday. The tranquil meadow, known for its breathtaking beauty and reachable only by foot or pony, turned into a site of horror as the attackers sprayed bullets at unsuspecting visitors around 2:30 pm.
According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists – reportedly a group of two to three individuals – approached the tourists and asked for identity cards before suddenly opening fire at close range. “There was no warning. They just started shooting. It was chaos,” said a local guide who narrowly escaped the onslaught.
A man named Offer, visiting the area with his family, emerged as a hero in the midst of the violence. Displaying extraordinary presence of mind, he guided several people to safety and helped them find cover during the attack.
The incident comes at a time when Kashmir has seen a surge in tourism following years of decline due to militancy. Baisaran, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland,” is a hotspot for both domestic and international travelers.
Following the attack, Union Minister JP Nadda took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the violence. “Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The brutal targeting of innocent civilians in this cowardly attack is highly reprehensible. Modi Government follows a Zero-Tolerance Policy against terrorism. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared,” he said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation, and full support will be extended to the victims’ families.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed the sentiment, stating, “The news of the cowardly attack on innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is heart-wrenching and angered. The entire nation expresses its sympathies with the families of the civilians killed in this reprehensible act committed by terrorists. Our brave soldiers will definitely give a befitting reply to the cowardice of the terrorists. As long as the brave sons of Mother India are there, the designs of those who want to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed.”
President Droupadi Murmu also condemned the attack, calling it “shocking and painful.” In a statement, she said, “It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.”
In response to the attack, the Anantnag Police have set up a 24/7 emergency help desk to assist tourists and coordinate relief efforts.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is scheduled to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow to take over the probe into the attack, which has once again brought the spotlight back on the fragile security situation in the Valley.
