Gunmen Open Fire on Tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Killing at Least 26 in One of the Deadliest Attacks in Years

Tragedy struck the scenic region of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday as gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in the mountain town of Pahalgam, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than a dozen, according to local authorities.

The attack, described by Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” targeted visitors in the peaceful Baisaran Valley — a popular destination only accessible on foot or horseback.

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene. Gunmen fired from close range at the tourists, most of whom were enjoying a break during the region’s busy travel season. One woman told reporters her husband was shot in the head, while seven others nearby were also hit.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with the injured rushed to Anantnag’s main hospital. Police have not yet confirmed whether any foreign nationals were among the victims.

The attack has rattled a region long familiar with unrest but rarely targeted in such a way. For decades, Jammu and Kashmir — a disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan — has seen waves of militancy and political tension. Yet attacks specifically targeting tourists remain uncommon.

In response, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah flew to the region and chaired an emergency security meeting. The Indian Army has launched an extensive search operation, vowing to bring the attackers to justice.

All private schools across Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed Wednesday as a precaution.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act” and promising swift justice. “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” he wrote in a post on X.

The international community quickly responded. Former US President Donald Trump expressed support for India, calling the attack “deeply disturbing.” He also reached out directly to Prime Minister Modi to extend condolences. Vice President JD Vance, currently visiting India with his family, echoed Trump’s sentiments, posting: “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”

Leaders from Russia, France, Italy, Israel, Iran, Ukraine, and the UAE also issued statements of condemnation and support.

This is not the first time violence has touched this region’s tourism sector. Just last year, suspected militants attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, causing a crash that killed nine and injured dozens more.

The Pahalgam area is also located along the route of the Amarnath Yatra — a major Hindu pilgrimage that has previously been targeted by militants.

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly blamed neighboring Pakistan for supporting militant groups that operate in the region. “They want to plunge Kashmir back into fear and chaos,” said BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, however, rejected the allegations. “We have nothing to do with this, and we do not support terrorism anywhere,” he told a local TV network.

While the Indian government maintains that militant activity has decreased in recent years, incidents like this remind the world how fragile the peace remains. Since 2019, when India revoked the region’s special autonomy, tensions have escalated amid heavy military presence and communication blackouts.

Despite these challenges, Kashmir continues to attract thousands of tourists during the spring and summer months. But with violence again making headlines, concerns are rising over the future of tourism and stability in the region.

As search operations continue and authorities investigate the motive behind this brutal attack, the people of Kashmir — and the world — are once again left mourning innocent lives lost to senseless violence.