Pahalgam terror attack: At least 26 killed after terrorists open fire at tourists

Eyewitnesses said tourists were enjoying pony ride when they were interrupted by a group of four heavily armed terrorists dressed in Army fatigues while three to four other terrorists stood nearby.

Then, one of the terrorist approached a couple and asked them whether they were Muslims or Hindu and shot them when they told them they are Hindu.

Additionally, they also asked the men to recite Kalima and killed them when they failed to do so. Some men were also shot after they were stripped to check for circumcision.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility of the attack. Officials said that terrorists could have crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran through Kokernag in south Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and said that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

"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,” the prime minister said on X.

"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 added.

Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar in the evening and held an urgent security review meeting with all agencies. Officials said Shah is likely to visit Pahalgam on Wednesday.

"Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies," he posted on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock over the attack and called it one of the biggest attack on civilians in recent times.

"I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," he posted on X.

"The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years," he added.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration set up 24X7 emergency control rooms in Anantnag and Srinagar.

Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack and called for measures to prevent such attacks in future.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," JKPDP chief Mehbooba Mufti posted on X.