NEW DELHI: Panic gripped Pahalgam in South Kashmir on Tuesday after terrorists attacked a popular tourist spot, leaving more than 26 people dead, according to PTI.
The attack occurred around 3 PM when terrorists descended from the mountains of Baisaran Valley and opened fire on tourists in the area, which is often called 'mini Switzerland' for its scenic green meadows.
Videos circulating online showed security forces and police rushing to the scene, with several people lying injured or motionless on the ground.
'Loved ones lie in pools of blood'Cries for help echoed across the Baisaran meadows, as panicked women were seen weeping and frantically searching for their loved ones amid pool of blood.
One woman, who did not reveal her identity, pleaded for urgent help to move the injured to the hospital.
“Bhaiyya, please save my husband,” she cried, her voice shaking with desperation, reported news agency PTI.
'My husband was shot in the head'Ambulances were rushed in to assist the victims. At Pahalgam hospital, medical staff confirmed 12 tourists were receiving treatment, adding that all were in stable condition.
"My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack," a woman survivor told PTI over phone call.
The incident occurs during a period of increased tourism in Kashmir following years of unrest. The 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is due to commence on July 3.
'Attackers emerged from the dense pine forest'Officials deployed a helicopter to evacuate the wounded, whilst local residents assisted in transporting some injured individuals from the meadows using ponies.
Early PTI reports indicated that the attackers emerged from the dense pine forest surrounding Baisaran, a location previously favoured by Bollywood productions in the 1980s.
Military, CRPF and local police forces rushed to Baisaran meadows upon receiving news of the attack, according to a senior police official.
Security forces have initiated a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation, deploying personnel in all directions to locate the perpetrators.
'Tourists evacuated following attack'The previously bustling Pahalgam resort became vacant as tourists evacuated the area following the attack, concerned for their safety.
Baisaran serves as a significant tourist destination in Pahalgam and provides camping facilities for trekkers heading towards Tulian Lake.
The site is accessible via pony rides from Pahalgam, offering visitors views of the town and Lidder Valley during the journey.
The Amarnath shrine pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees who travel via two routes: the traditional 48-km Pahalgam path in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
'Strongly condemn cowardly terror attack'Taking to X, PM Modi said, "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected."
"Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger," he wrote on X.
Earlier, chief minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that authorities are still determining the number of casualties. "This attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said on X.
"I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," CM Abdullah said.
"These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed, innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir. Some tourists have been admitted to the local hospital in an injured condition," he added.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha condemned the terror attack at the tourist destination of Pahalgam, promising to ensure accountability.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," the LG posted on X.
The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — claimed responsibility for the incident.
Tourists attacked in J&K