A terror attack on Tuesday afternoon in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, Anantnag district, has left several people feared dead and at least 20 others injured, including tourists and locals, officials said.
Initial reports state that a group of tourists was ambushed by terrorists dressed in army fatigues near the scenic Baisaran meadows around 2.30 pm. One tourist was killed on the spot, and 12 others were injured, with three in critical condition shifted to Srinagar for specialized care.
Baisaran, a picturesque meadow 3-4 km from Pahalgam market, is accessible only on horseback. Witnesses said the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos and panic.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a massive search operation to track down the assailants.
Survivors reported that the assailants asked the victims about their religion and then shot those who said they were not Muslim.
&ldquo;I am shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman &amp;amp; worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I&rsquo;ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo &amp; she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I&rsquo;ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately. #Pahalgam,&rdquo; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on X.
&ldquo;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. 
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,&rdquo; said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X (formerly Twitter).
In a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Jeddah, PM Modi directed Shah to personally visit the attack site and &lsquo;take all suitable measures.&rsquo; 
Earlier this evening, Shah had called a high-level meeting of top Army officials and security officials in New Delhi. According to reports, he has already departed for Pahalgam.
Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed condolences at the unprecedented attack. &ldquo;Condemn the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,&rdquo; he wrote on X.&nbsp;
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her condolences to the grieving families of slain victims.&nbsp;&ldquo;The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured," said Murmu.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. 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&rdquo;, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on X.
This is the first terrorist attack on tourists in the Kashmir Valley in 2025, even as a booming tourist season is presently going on in the Valley.
All hotels in Srinagar city, and the tourist resorts of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are fully occupied.
An unprecedented number of tourists are expected in J&amp;K this year and official projections forecast a number of around two crores tourists would visit the UT this year.
Tuesday&rsquo;s attack comes at a time when registration for this year&rsquo;s Amarnath Yatra is going on across the country.
This year, the Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals, respectively.
During his visit to J&amp;K last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had chaired a high-level security review meeting, where he gave orders for the complete eradication of terrorism with special focus on the Jammu division.
He also gave directions to ensure zero tolerance to infiltration. The Union Home Secretary, the IB Director, the Army chief, the GoCs of all corps in J&amp;K, the chiefs of paramilitary forces, the J&amp;K DGP and intelligence officers had attended the meeting.
(with inputs from IANS) <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a>

Grieving family members of slain victims in the attack

PM Modi phones UHM Amit Shah, directs him to ‘take suitable measures’ and visit site

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Multiple Feared Dead, 20 Injured

PM Modi phones UHM Amit Shah, directs him to ‘take suitable measures’ and visit site

April 23, 2025 | 24:29 IST