Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack after noon. Eyewitnesses told security forces that two to three men rushed in dressed in military fatigues, firing indiscriminately at tourists while they were enjoying the Baisaran Meadows of Pahalgam on horseback.
Security forces were rushed to the area, and a massive anti-terrorist operation was launched to hunt down the assailants. Videos of the aftermath of the attack showed people lying motionless and bloodied on the ground while women were frantically looking for their loved ones.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, describing it as an “abomination”. He said the details of the death toll are still being ascertained, and called the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone call with Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, while he was currently in a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. The incident took place while US Vice President JD Vance was in a four-day visit to India.
“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,” said PM Modi in a strong message.
