Tourist Fatality and Injuries in Pahalgam Terror Assault

Srinagar, April 22 (NationPress) A tourist lost their life and 12 individuals, comprising both tourists and locals, sustained injuries during a terrorist attack in the scenic Pahalgam hill station located in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, according to officials.

The fatal incident occurred as terrorists targeted a group of tourists in the Baisran area of Pahalgam, resulting in the death of one tourist and injuries to nine tourists and three locals.

Reports indicate that two to three assailants clad in army uniforms opened fire on horse-riding tourists in the Baisran region around 2:30 p.m. This area is a small meadow situated 3 to 4 kilometers from the main Pahalgam market, accessible only by horseback due to the absence of a motorable road.

“One tourist has tragically lost their life, and 12 others have been injured, including both tourists and locals. The injured individuals have been transported to Pahalgam hospital, with three critically injured patients being moved to Srinagar for advanced treatment,” an official stated, noting that security forces have cordoned off the area to locate the attackers.

“I am utterly shocked. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The individuals responsible for this act are inhuman and deserve contempt. No amount of condemnation is sufficient. I express my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have communicated with my colleague @sakinaitoo, who has gone to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I will be returning to Srinagar immediately. #Pahalgam,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed in a post on X.

“I unequivocally condemn this cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which reportedly led to the death of one and injuries to many. Such violence is intolerable and must be denounced. Kashmir has historically embraced tourists, making this rare occurrence particularly alarming. A thorough investigation is imperative to bring the perpetrators to justice and to assess any security shortcomings. Ensuring the safety of visitors is paramount, and necessary measures must be implemented to prevent future incidents. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated on X.

This marks the first terrorist attack on tourists in the Kashmir Valley in 2025, coinciding with a flourishing tourist season in the region.

All accommodations in Srinagar, along with tourist hotspots such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, are fully booked.

An unprecedented influx of tourists is anticipated in J&K this year, with official estimates predicting around two crore visitors to the Union Territory.

Tuesday’s assault occurs amidst the ongoing registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, which is set to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9, aligning with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

During his visit to J&K last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security review meeting, where he mandated the comprehensive eradication of terrorism, focusing particularly on the Jammu division.

He also instructed a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, the IB Director, the Army chief, the GoCs of all corps in J&K, leaders of paramilitary forces, the J&K DGP, and intelligence personnel.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has emphasized the need to address the entire ecosystem of terrorism, including terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers, to completely eliminate the threat of terrorism from J&K.