In a major terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, one tourist lost their life while many others sustained serious injuries after a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on a crowd of holidaymakers on Tuesday. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the brutal assault.

Gunmen Open Fire on Tourists in Baisaran Meadows

The attack took place in the scenic Baisaran Meadows, a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir. According to eyewitnesses, the assailantsbelieved to be disguised in military uniforms emerged from the surrounding woods and launched a sudden and indiscriminate firing spree on a group of about 40 tourists, including women and elderly individuals. At least 20 people were injured in the chaos, with many left lying motionless in pools of blood.

Locals working in the area, who usually earn a living from tourism, fled for safety as soon as the gunfire began, leaving the tourists vulnerable and defenceless.

Survivors’ Heart-Wrenching Testimonies

In the aftermath, emotional and disturbing scenes emerged. A traumatised woman, speaking to PTI over the phone, described how her husband was shot in the head. “He was killed because he wasn't a Muslim,” she said, pleading for urgent medical assistance for the other injured victims.

In a viral video, the same woman could be seen begging for help, crying uncontrollably, and urging rescuers to save her husband. Two bloodied men were visible on the ground nearby. In another video clip, a woman recounted how she was enjoying bhelpuri when a gunman approached and shot her husband point-blank after identifying him by his religion.

Another woman, in tears beside an unconscious victim, was heard desperately asking the person recording to seek medical help. “Sir, please, just ask someone to help,” she pleaded.

Evacuation Underway Amid Challenging Terrain

Since Baisaran is accessible only by foot or pony, the authorities had to call in helicopters for evacuation. However, before the air support could arrive, locals used ponies to carry the injured down the hill to safety, showcasing remarkable bravery despite the risk.

Government Response and Condemnation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to monitor the situation closely. Security forces were quickly deployed to the area and are continuing efforts to secure the site and track down the attackers.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep shock over the incident. “This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators are inhuman, despicable, and worthy of absolute contempt,” he stated, adding that the exact number of casualties is still being confirmed.

According to police sources, the attack began around 2:30 PM. Survivors told News18 JKLH that at least two gunmen in military-style clothing opened fire while tourists were riding ponies across the picturesque meadows. The sudden violence turned a peaceful holiday into a horrifying nightmare.