Srinagar: April 22: In a tragic terror attack at the popular hill station of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday, one tourist was killed and at least 12 others—including tourists and locals—were injured. The attack occurred in the Baisran area, a meadow located 3-4 km from Pahalgam market, where tourists often travel on horseback due to lack of a motorable road.
Reports suggest that around 2:30 p.m., 2 to 3 terrorists dressed in army fatigues opened fire on a group of horse-riding tourists. One tourist, Manjunath from Karnataka, was killed, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were first shifted to Pahalgam Hospital, with critically wounded individuals transferred to Srinagar for specialised care.
In a heartbreaking account, Manjunath’s wife revealed that she and their 18-year-old son pleaded with the terrorist to shoot them as well. However, the attacker spared them and instructed them to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.
Prime Minister Modi, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack and assured swift action. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” he said.
Home Minister Amit Shah, en route to Srinagar, is set to chair a high-level security meeting. Lt Gen M.V. Suchendra Kumar and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are also rushing to the region to assess the situation. J&K LG Manoj Sinha, expressing deep sorrow, vowed that the perpetrators “will pay a heavy price.”
The attack, the worst on tourists since separatist violence began in the 1990s, comes amid a thriving tourist season in Kashmir, with hotels fully booked and over two crore tourists expected this year. It also raises serious security concerns ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, beginning July 3.
A helpline has been set up in Anantnag for families of tourists. Search operations are ongoing as security forces intensify efforts to neutralize the attackers.
