Srinagar – What began as a peaceful day in the breathtaking valleys of Pahalgam turned into a nightmare no one could have imagined. In a shocking act of terror, gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists enjoying a horse ride in the scenic Baisaran Valley on Tuesday. One innocent life has already been lost, and several others are critically injured, with fears that the death toll may rise.
The attack took place in Baisaran, a high-altitude meadow nestled above Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. Known for its sweeping views and its role as a gateway to the Amarnath Yatra, Baisaran is typically a symbol of peace, not violence.
Eyewitnesses recall the horror that unfolded in mere seconds. “We were laughing, taking pictures—then suddenly, gunshots. People were screaming, children crying, and everyone was running,” said one tourist, still shaken. “It felt like the earth had cracked open.”
Authorities say two to three militants in army-like fatigues ambushed the unsuspecting visitors, firing indiscriminately. One tourist died en route to the hospital. Several others remain in intensive care.
As news of the attack spread, the entire region fell into a state of mourning. Security forces quickly sealed off the area and launched a massive search operation in the surrounding forested terrain. Counter-terror teams and top officials are now on the ground, trying to hunt down those responsible.
The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility. The timing of the attack—just weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra—is raising alarms about an orchestrated attempt to destabilize peace in the valley and discourage tourism.
Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack, calling it “despicable” and assuring swift justice. “Spoke to the DGP & Security officials. Army and J&K Police teams have rushed to the area and launched search operations,” he posted on X.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his anguish. “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination,” he wrote. “No words of condemnation are enough.”
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti echoed the sentiment, stating, “Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms.”
As Kashmir reels from this tragedy, the people are left grappling with heartbreak and fear. Tourists had come seeking serenity in the lap of nature. Instead, they were met with terror. And for the families whose loved ones were caught in the chaos, life will never be the same again.
