PAHALGAM, India — A deadly assault by suspected militants on tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 26 people dead and 17 others wounded, prompting an exodus of visitors and a high-level emergency response from New Delhi.
The shooting occurred Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayan foothills known for its natural beauty and a popular destination for domestic tourists. Authorities described the attack as one of the worst in the region in nearly two decades.
Among the victims were 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national, according to police. No foreigners were reported injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to India early Wednesday morning. Upon landing, he convened an emergency meeting with senior officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to assess the situation.
Interior Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar, the region’s largest city, where he met with families of the victims and laid wreaths during funeral ceremonies. “We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
A little-known militant group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. In its message, the group cited frustration over demographic changes following India’s 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status, which enabled outsiders to purchase land and apply for government jobs in the region.
Local police have launched a widespread security operation, detaining several individuals for questioning and stepping up patrols in and around Pahalgam.
The violence triggered a mass departure of tourists from the region. “We need to prioritize our safety,” said Sameer Bhadadwaj, a visitor from New Delhi. “Everyone is tense, and there is no peace of mind here now.”
The Finance Ministry also announced that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would be cutting short her official visit to the United States and Peru “to be with our people during this difficult time.”
Since the 2019 constitutional change, tourism in Kashmir had steadily rebounded. But the sudden return of large-scale violence has cast a shadow over what had been a period of cautious optimism.
Security analysts say the attack underscores the enduring volatility in the region and signals the possibility of renewed militant activity targeting civilian spaces. Authorities vowed to bolster safety measures across Jammu and Kashmir and to prevent further escalations.
For now, Kashmir’s long-promised stability appears once again in jeopardy, as officials seek to restore calm in the wake of an attack that has shaken the nation.
