At least 26 tourists were fatally shot by gunmen at a resort located in Indian-controlled Kashmir, according to local police reports on Tuesday. The attack is perceived as a significant escalation in the regional conflict, where tourists have generally been untargeted.
The tragic incident unfolded in Baisaran meadow, roughly 5 kilometers from the tourist hub of Pahalgam, and has been attributed to militants opposing Indian governance. Two senior police officers noted that over three dozen individuals sustained injuries, many of which are serious. Omar Abdullah, the region’s chief elected official, described the event as unprecedented in terms of civilian-targeted attacks in recent years.
Initial reports suggest that at least four militants executed the attack, targeting groups of vacationers at close range. Most of those deceased were identified as Indian nationals, as revealed by the police officers who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to departmental guidelines. The aftermath of the incident saw at least 24 bodies being recovered, with additional casualties occurring en route to medical facilities. Despite ongoing investigations, no entity has yet claimed responsibility for the assault.
In response to the assault, India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, vowed on social media that those responsible would face severe repercussions. Arriving in Srinagar, he convened a meeting with senior security officials. Concurrently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi interrupted a visit to Saudi Arabia, returning to New Delhi earlier than planned.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing that assaults on civilians are intolerable under any circumstances. Kashmir’s leading religious figure, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, took to social media to denounce the violence, noting it contradicts the region’s ethos of welcoming strangers with open arms.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in India during the attack, labeled it a “devastating terrorist act,” expressing sympathy for the Indian people in their time of mourning. Similarly, U.S. President Donald Trump shared his alarm over the incident, affirming the United States’ solidarity with India against terrorism. Worldwide leaders, including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, joined in condemning the act.
The United States’ firm stance alongside India was reiterated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The historic rivalry between nuclear-armed nations India and Pakistan continues over the entire Kashmir region, which both countries claim in full despite administering separate parts.
The Kashmir Valley has endured targeted violence against Hindus, particularly migrant workers, in the aftermath of New Delhi’s revocation of the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019. The Indian government has significantly restricted freedoms, intensifying anti-insurgency initiatives. Nevertheless, Kashmir has witnessed an influx of tourists in recent years, attracted to its majestic landscape and local charm, without being direct targets until now.
The picturesque meadow near Pahalgam draws hundreds of visitors daily to experience its stunning surroundings, comprising snow-covered peaks and dense pine woods. Despite New Delhi’s efforts to promote tourism as proof of peace returning to the state, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has urged the government to take responsibility for ensuring genuine stability rather than offering “hollow claims.”
Over the decades, residents in the Kashmir region have increasingly repudiated New Delhi’s rule, with militants seeking either Pakistani governance or outright independence. While India labels this as Pakistan-backed terrorism, Pakistan denies the accusation, maintaining it represents a legitimate independence fight. The protracted conflict has led to the loss of tens of thousands of lives, including civilians, militants, and government troops.
The last major civilian attack occurred in March 2000, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 individuals during then-U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to India, marking a historic point of conflict in the region. Though hostility has subsided recently, the Kashmir Valley remains the focal point of anti-India sentiments. Clashes have shifted to remoter territories such as Jammu’s Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua regions, posing deadly threats to Indian soldiers.