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Terror Strikes Tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam: 28 Dead, Many Injured
On Tuesday afternoon, soft sunshine and a slight chill touched the Baisaran Valley in Kashmir. Newlyweds Shubham Dwivedi and Aishanya Pandey, full of excitement, rented horses to ride up a gentle slope. Their goal was simple: to enjoy the breathtaking view of green meadows, tall pine trees, and the snow-covered Himalayan peaks in the distance.
But what was meant to be a peaceful afternoon ended in bloodshed.
A Sudden Attack
Less than an hour after they started, suspected militants opened fire on tourists near the valley. The sudden burst of bullets left at least 28 people dead and many more injured. Most of the victims were tourists from various parts of India.
Shubham was among those killed. His wife, Aishanya, survived but watched in horror as her husband was shot beside her. The attackers, dressed in uniforms, reportedly asked the couple if they were Muslim. After a short exchange, they shot Shubham and told Aishanya, “Go back and tell your government what happened.”
Chaos in Paradise
People panicked. Some ran down the hills on foot, others fled on horseback. Videos from the scene showed tourists crying, bodies lying in pools of blood, and survivors sitting in shock.
Waseem Khan, a member of the tourism police, had just stepped away for prayer when the shooting started. At first, he thought the sound was firecrackers. Then he saw bodies on the ground. Along with local pony guides, he helped lift injured people onto horses and rushed them to safety.
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Heartbreaking Losses
Many of the victims were ordinary people. Some were on their first trip to Kashmir. One group included 17 sales representatives enjoying a reward trip from their company. Luckily, they had stopped for ice cream before reaching the site of the attack. That short delay may have saved their lives.
Another man, Kunal Gunbote, received shocking news while in Pune. His parents were sightseeing in the area when the attack happened. When he reached Srinagar the next morning, he found his father’s body in a coffin. His mother, although alive, was too shaken to speak. She told him that the attackers had walked calmly, asking names before shooting.
No Immediate Help
The victims’ families questioned the lack of security in the area. Survivors said no protection was nearby during the attack. This challenges claims made by the Indian government that Kashmir is now safer than before.
Kunal added, “They took their time to kill, but no security was there for miles around.”
Panic and Empty Hotels
By Tuesday night, the usually busy town of Pahalgam emptied quickly. Tourists packed their bags and fled. Roads to Srinagar were full of vehicles carrying frightened travelers. Locals offered shelter, but the fear was too strong. According to Mushtaq Pahalgami, head of the local hotel association, over 7,000 tourists had been in Pahalgam. By morning, almost all had left.
Kashmir’s Fragile Peace Shattered Again
Kashmir has a long history of violence. Since 1989, an armed conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives. In 2019, the Indian government removed the region’s semi-autonomous status, hoping to bring peace and development. This led to a tourism boom, with many Indians visiting during the hot summer months. On the day of the attack, Delhi reached 104°F, while Pahalgam was a cool 65°F.
However, this attack shows that the region remains fragile.
Political Reactions and Condolences
The attack shocked leaders across India and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack strongly. He offered prayers for the victims and promised strict action. He said, “Those behind this act will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.”
Home Minister Amit Shah announced he would visit Kashmir to review security. He also said that the government would “come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.”
From the U.S., President Donald Trump expressed support. “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” he posted online.
History of Targeted Attacks
This is the worst civilian attack in Kashmir in recent years. The last major attack happened in June 2024, when militants killed nine Hindu pilgrims. In 2017, eight more were killed in a similar attack while returning from the Amarnath temple.
Shut Down in Protest
On Wednesday, Kashmir observed a near-total shutdown. Shops and offices remained closed to protest the killings. Religious groups and political parties united in condemning the attack and expressing grief.
A Painful Reminder
The attack at Pahalgam is not just a tragedy—it is a painful reminder that Kashmir’s peace is still fragile. Tourists came looking for beauty, peace, and joy. Instead, many returned home with wounds that may never heal.