Pahalgam Terror Attack: What Happened in Kashmir’s Scenic Valley
Pahalgam Terror Attack: What Happened in Kashmir’s Scenic Valley
It started like a perfect summer day in the breathtaking Baisaran valley of Pahalgam, Kashmir — tourists on pony rides, surrounded by pine forests, enjoying their vacation in what’s known as the “mini Switzerland” of India. But that peaceful day turned into a horrifying nightmare.
Around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, according to police sources, gunmen dressed in military-style uniforms suddenly appeared from the nearby dense forest and opened fire on a group of 40 tourists.
What followed was fear, chaos, and tragedy. At least 26 innocent people lost their lives in this cold-blooded attack, and many more were left injured.
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How the Pahalgam Terror Attack Unfolded
- Gunmen in camouflage emerged from the forest and fired at close range.
- Tourists were riding ponies and enjoying the scenic views in Baisaran valley when the shooting began.
- Panic spread quickly as bullets flew — some tried to run, others froze in disbelief.
One eyewitness told PTI, “We were standing at the pony stand. Suddenly people started running and screaming. We later realized gunfire had broken out.”
Another witness told ANI, “We had just left the area when the shots began. We didn’t even look back… everyone just ran to save their lives.”
Targeted for Their Faith
Reports have emerged that the attackers asked some tourists to recite the ‘Kalima’ — a Muslim declaration of faith — and killed those who couldn’t.
- Eyewitnesses claimed the terrorists were singling out men, checking their religion.
- Victims were asked to prove their faith by reciting ‘Kalima’. When they couldn’t, they were shot.
- A woman survivor told PTI, “My husband was shot in the head… just because he wasn’t a Muslim.”
One woman recounted, “They told us they wouldn’t kill us. One terrorist told me to go and tell Modi what happened here.”
Disguised in Army Uniforms
Another disturbing detail is that the attackers were reportedly dressed like soldiers. This added to the confusion as many tourists initially thought they were part of the local police or army.
- Witnesses described the terrorists wearing army-style fatigues and printed masks.
- “They looked like security personnel, so we didn’t realize what was happening at first,” said a survivor.
Voices of Grief and Anger
The horrifying attack sparked outrage and sadness across India, with Bollywood stars and public figures expressing their shock and offering condolences.
- Akshay Kumar: “Horrified by the terror attack on tourists. Sheer evil.”
- Sonu Sood: “Strongly condemn the cowardly attack. Prayers for the victims.”
- Sanjay Dutt: “They killed our people in cold blood. We must retaliate.”
- Anupam Kher: Shared an emotional video on the tragedy.
- Raveena Tandon and Ranvir Shorey also reacted with sorrow and anger.
The Story of Pallavi: A Widow’s Pain
One of the most heart-wrenching stories came from Pallavi, a woman who lost her husband Manjunath in the attack. She and her son faced the terrorist who killed him.
“We begged him to kill us too, but he said, ‘I won’t kill you. Go tell Modi,’” Pallavi recalled.
- The family was visiting from Shivamogga, Karnataka.
- Manjunath had gone to buy food for their son when he was shot.
- Pallavi said she sat beside her husband’s body, unable to react.
- She pleaded with authorities to return home with his body — “All three of us must return together,” she said.
Emergency Helplines for Tourists and Families
If you need help or know someone affected:
Emergency Numbers:
- Srinagar Control Room: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651
- Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar: 7006058623
- Tourist Help Desk Anantnag: 9596777669 | 01932-225870
- WhatsApp: 9419051940
J&K Tourist Department:
- 8899931010, 8899941010
- Nissar (Asst Director Tourism): 9906663868
- Mudassir (Tourist Officer): 9906906115
Government Reaction and Global Condemnation
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the victims and assured that justice will be served.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned early from Saudi Arabia to review the situation.
- Global leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack.
The terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility.
This tragedy has shaken the entire nation. The Pahalgam terror attack is a chilling reminder that peace and security must remain our top priority. Our hearts go out to every life lost and every family grieving today.
Stay tuned to Bharat Details for the latest updates.
