'Mini Switzerland Pahalgam' turns into warzone: Chilling details expose why terrorists chose Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley

A day after one of the biggest attacks on civilians in the Kashmir Valley, details are emerging to show terrorists’ cold and calculated plot. The brazen killing of 26 tourists in what’s popularly known as ‘mini Switzerland’ has drawn sharp condemnation from world leaders as well as people across party-lines in India.

Eyewitnesses say that the attackers were dressed in ‘uniform’ making most believe that the Indian security men were making some enquiries. However, once the attackers started separating men and women, suspicion grew.

Within seconds, the attackers opened fire and what followed for next 20 minutes was absolute carnage of tourists and locals being targeted and shot at point blank.

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Probe by agencies reveal why terrorists chose Baisaran Valley. The answer lies in the geography of the Valley. Located 6.5 km from Pahalgam in South Kashmir, Baisaran is accessible only via a pony ride or on foot. At present, there’s a dirt track that connects Baisaran Valley to Pahalgam main town. Agencies believe that terrorists chose the Valley for its remote location and the fact that it would take some time for the security men to reach the site.

Many survivors have revealed harrowing details of how the attackers asked for the religious identities, ordered some men to recite ‘Kalma’ before shooting them in head.

With no vehicle in sight, tourists guides and local shopkeepers helped ferry the injured-on ponies to Pahalgam. A survivor said that by the time police arrived on the site, all the terrorists had vanished in the nearby forest.