Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Dead, Including 2 Foreigners; Amit Shah Reaches Srinagar for Emergency Security Review

Pahalgam (J&K): At least 26 people, including two foreign nationals, were killed on Tuesday in a horrific terrorist attack in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam. The attackers opened fire in the upper meadows of Baisaran Valley, targeting a group of tourists in what is being seen as one of the deadliest civilian strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.

Several others sustained serious injuries in the ambush, which has sent shockwaves across the country.

Gunshots rang out in the upper reaches of the valley, a popular summer tourist destination. Security sources suspect the assailants were clad in camouflage and had specifically targeted civilians. The injured were swiftly evacuated to nearby hospitals by the security forces and medical teams. Officials warn that the casualty figure may rise as some of the victims are critically wounded.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning the “cowardly” act, said the Centre’s resolve to eliminate terrorism remains “unshakable.” In a phone call with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister instructed immediate action.

Shah will fly to Srinagar to chair a high-level security review meeting with top officials from security and intelligence agencies.

Before his departure, Shah convened an emergency meeting at his Delhi residence. The meeting was attended by Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat and Army officials also participated via video conferencing. Shah has also spoken to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

LG Manoj Sinha termed the incident a “heinous crime” and vowed swift retribution. “The perpetrators will have to pay a very heavy price,” he said. He also directed health authorities to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. One tourist was shifted to GMC Anantnag for further treatment.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock and outrage, calling the assailants “inhuman animals.” He noted, “This attack is larger in scale than anything we’ve seen against civilians in recent years.”

The attack comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley is witnessing peak tourist footfall and preparations are underway for the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the attack, terming it a “cowardly and despicable” act.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the violence was unacceptable and underscored the need for a detailed investigation into possible security lapses. “Kashmir has historically welcomed tourists with warmth. Such rare incidents are alarming and call for immediate introspection,” she stated.

BJP’s J&K unit president Ravinder Raina denounced the assault, accusing the terrorists of targeting unarmed and innocent visitors.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has already directed security agencies to intensify counter-terror operations, especially in sensitive zones. Shah had, during a recent J&K visit, ordered a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration and terror networks, with a particular focus on strengthening security across the Jammu division.