J&K terror attack: 1 dead and several tourists injured in Pahalgam

J&K terror attack: In a shocking update from Jammu and Kashmir, one tourist died and several tourists were injured in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.

“My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack,” a woman survivor told PTI over phone. The woman did not identity herself but pleaded for help in evacuating the injured to hospital.

A little earlier, security forces rushed to Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam tourist town after shots were heard, a senior police official said here.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s first reaction

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the death toll is still being ascertained. “This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” he said on X.

The incident occurred at around 3 PM when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place which is often dubbed as ‘mini Switzerland’ because of its long lush green meadows. The terror attack came at a time when US Vice President J D Vance along with his family was on a four-day visit to the country. He was in Rajasthan on Tuesday.

A video of the attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and looking for their near and dear ones. No independent official verification was available, as per a report by news agency PTI.

“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” CM Abdullah said.

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3. Authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured persons, the officials said adding some of the injured were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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