Pahalgam Terror Attack: 28 Dead, NIA Set To Probe Case; Shah In Srinagar For High-Level Security Review — Updates

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will probe the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left at least 28 people dead and over 20 injured, according to sources. The incident took place in the scenic meadow of Baisaran, around six kilometres from Pahalgam, when terrorists opened fire on a crowd of tourists.

The attack occurred on Tuesday around 3 pm, with terrorists firing over 50 rounds on civilians enjoying their day out in the picturesque meadow, also known as ‘mini Switzerland’. Tourists were picnicking, riding ponies, and visiting eateries when the armed terrorists began firing indiscriminately, eyewitnesses said.

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar and chaired an urgent high-level meeting with top security officials in the wake of the attack. “Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah said in a post on X earlier in the day.

  • Senior NIA officials are expected to arrive in Pahalgam on Wednesday to begin the investigation.

  • Security agencies have revealed that intelligence inputs had indicated the possibility of an attack in a tourist area of South Kashmir. As per their reports, there was prior information suggesting that terrorists might target a tourist location in South Kashmir. Inputs also indicated that non-Kashmiris could be attacked in the name of religion. Terrorists had conducted prior reconnaissance of the site. With the help of overground supporters, terrorists managed to transport weapons to the area.
     
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, was briefed by Shah. “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,” the Prime Minister said on X. 

  • The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General MV Suchendra Kumar, who was in New Delhi for a conference, is en route to Srinagar and will be briefed by local formation commanders on the security situation in the Valley, defence sources told news agency ANI.

  • According to defence sources and local officials, a massive anti-terror operation is underway in the region. Army, CRPF and local police have fanned out across the area, and search operations have intensified.

  • The entire district administration and medical teams were mobilised quickly, and a helicopter was used to evacuate some of the injured. Locals also brought injured tourists down from the meadow on ponies. 

  • Eyewitnesses said that the tourists were ambushed by the terrorists, who asked them about their religious identity before shooting them. "My husband was standing beside me. Then one person (terrorist) came and shot him. He (terrorist) shot him saying that maybe he is not a Muslim," a woman survivor told ABP News.

    Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also said, "I have spoken to tourist Pragati from Maharashtra. All the terrorists came in police uniform. They were asking everyone's name and then shooting them; this is condemnable. The central government will definitely take revenge for this attack; we will teach them a lesson and kill them."

  • One woman survivor told PTI over the phone, “My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack,” as she pleaded for help in evacuating the injured.

    “There was panic as gunshots rang out. Tourists ran for cover, but there was no place to hide in the wide, open space,” said another tourist.

    A tourist couple from Maharashtra's Nagpur, present at the spot of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam told ANI, "This incident happened when we had just left the place of the incident. We could hear the sound of firing for a long time. Everyone was trying to escape from the place. We never looked back as we just wanted to escape from there."

  • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” adding, “The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get into those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer.” 

    He further posted on X, “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.”

  • Altaf Ahmad Wani, the National Conference MLA from Pahalgam, condemned the assault, calling it “cowardly” and said: “Targeting innocent persons is against the teachings of Islam. The perpetrators of this dastardly act will be dealt with an iron fist.”

    Pulwama MLA and PDP leader Waheed Para told PTI, "This act of terror is an attempt to defame Kashmiris. Such activities are done whenever the situation seems to improve... We condemn this and stand unanimously against this irrespective of beliefs and ideology."

  • The Information & PR Department of J&K reported that an emergency control room has been set up and provided the contact numbers for the same. "Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651 Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623. Helpline for the assistance on Pahalgam terror incident," it stated in a post.

    "24/7 Emergency Help Desk for Tourists –District Administration   Anantnag Control Room April 22: A dedicated help desk has been established  to assist tourists requiring assistance or information. Contact Details: 01932222337 7780885759 9697982527 6006365245," another post read.

  • People held a candle march in Pahalgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Handwara to condemn the terrorist attack, PTI and ANI reported.

The assault comes at a time when Kashmir is witnessing a rise in tourist activity following years of militancy. Baisaran, a popular trekking base also frequented by filmmakers in the 1980s, connects to Tulian Lake and offers a panoramic view of the Lidder Valley.

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