At least 26 tourists have been killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday after gunmen opened fire at a scenic spot near the resort town of Pahalgam, nicknamed Mini Switzerland. Security forces have blamed militants fighting Indian rule for the deadly assault that also left dozens injured.
Senior officers reported that at least four gunmen, described as militants, fired at dozens of terrified tourists from close range in Baisaran meadow, approximately three miles from Pahalgam. Officials confirmed collecting at least 26 bodies from the scene, with at least three dozen others injured – many in serious condition.
According to reports from the scene, the militants emerged from a densely forested area before opening fire on civilians who were enjoying the picturesque valley near Pahalgam. The attack occurred during peak tourist season, when hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the region known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes.
The victims included 24 Indian tourists, one visitor from Nepal, and a local tourist guide. The assault has sparked panic among tourists, with many promptly leaving Kashmir and travel agencies reporting a 90% drop in bookings after the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and dubbed the shooting a “heinous act.” Modi vowed that the attackers would be brought to justice and stated that India’s resolve to fight terrorism remains unshakeable.
India’s home minister, Amit Shah, stated on social media that authorities would “come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.” The Indian government has deployed thousands of police and soldiers to hunt down the attackers in a major operation across the region.
In response to the attack, India has taken several retaliatory measures against Pakistan, which it blames for harboring and supporting militants. These measures include closing the main border crossing, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military advisers, and asking Pakistani visa holders to leave the country.
A previously unknown militant group called Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for what they termed “demographic changes” in the valley since 2019, when India ended Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status.
The timing of the attack coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s four-day visit to India. Vance described the attack as “devastating” and expressed that he and his delegation had been “overcome with the beauty of this country and its people” during their visit. He added that their thoughts and prayers were with those mourning this horrific attack.
President Donald Trump noted the “deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir” and declared: “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
The attack marks the deadliest incident targeting civilians in Kashmir since 2019 and has dealt a significant blow to the region’s tourism-dependent economy. Government officials have assured full refunds and support for stranded tourists while enhancing security measures throughout the area.
Pahalgam is a hugely popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque snow-capped mountains and pine forests. It attracts hundreds of visitors daily as Kashmir has become a major domestic tourist destination, especially for its Himalayan foothills. Around 3.5 million tourists visited Kashmir in 2024 as part of the government’s efforts to encourage tourism to the region.
However, visitors to the region also encounter a different side of Kashmir, with security checkpoints visible everywhere, armored vehicles on the roads, and soldiers patrolling the streets. This security presence reflects the ongoing tensions in the area, which has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for decades.
The Cabinet Committee on Security met to discuss the response to the attack, which is expected to be “loud and clear” against the perpetrators. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed a “strong response” not just against the perpetrators but also against those who masterminded the attack in Pahalgam.
Analysts suggest that India is likely to launch a military response, possibly in the form of cross-border firing or airstrikes, to signal resolve and restore deterrence. However, such actions carry the risk of escalating tensions with Pakistan and the possibility of serious conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The attack has also raised questions about security lapses that allowed it to occur during peak tourist season in a region where the Indian government directly controls law and order. This marks a serious failure in security protocols in the Union Territory, which was brought under direct federal control after its semi-autonomous status was revoked in 2019.
India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Militants in the Indian-controlled part have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties among civilians, rebels, and government forces.
