Over 20 tourists were gunned down in a brutal ambush by suspected militants today in Pahalgam’s scenic Baisaran Valley, killing at least 26 and wounding dozens more in the deadliest civilian assault in Kashmir in years (The Guardian, AP News). Eyewitnesses say the attackers, armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, emerged from the surrounding forest around midday and opened fire indiscriminately, targeting men—often after demanding they recite the kalma—while sparing some women and children (Wikipedia, The Indian Express). The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claimed responsibility, denouncing the influx of non-locals as a “demographic threat” (Wikipedia).
Attack Unfolds in “Mini-Switzerland”
Tourists had gathered to enjoy the lush green meadows of Baisaran—popularly nicknamed “Mini-Switzerland”—when gunmen in military fatigues posed as police before suddenly opening fire. Survivors recall scenes of chaos: “We thought they were patrolling soldiers,” said one visitor, “then they started shooting at close range” (Wikipedia, The Indian Express). Local police and CRPF teams reached the site within minutes and evacuated over 30 injured to Srinagar hospitals, while a joint cordon-and-search operation began immediately (AP News).
Casualties & Response
At least 26 people—including tourists from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and some foreign nationals—have died, and 20+ are in critical condition. Among the deceased is a 26-year-old Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official visiting with family (Wikipedia, The Indian Express). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi trip, vowed swift justice, while Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to oversee rescue and investigation efforts (AP News, YouTube).
Claim & Motive
The Resistance Front’s statement accused New Delhi’s settlement policies of eroding Kashmir’s demographic balance. Analysts warn this marks a dangerous escalation: tourism had been steadily recovering since normalcy returned post-2019 clampdown (The Guardian).
Political Fallout
Local leaders across party lines—Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and BJP’s Manoj Sinha—condemned the killings and called for unity (Wikipedia). Pro-Pakistan slogans were reported in spontaneous protests, stoking cross-border tensions (Reuters).
