Pahalgam Terror Attack: Survivors Recall Horror as 26 People Brutally Killed After Religious Identity Check
In a horrifying incident that has shaken the nation, terrorists disguised in army uniforms carried out a brutal attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, killing 26 people and injuring 17 others. Most of the victims were tourists, while two foreigners and two local citizens were also among the deceased. The terrorists reportedly asked the tourists about their religion, checked their identity cards, and then opened fire on those identified as Hindus.
According to eyewitnesses and survivors, the terrorists stormed into the valley—a picturesque area often called ‘Mini Switzerland’ due to its scenic beauty—around 3 PM. The attackers targeted people who were picnicking, riding ponies, or visiting food stalls. Survivors shared chilling accounts of how individuals were separated based on their religion before being shot at close range. Some even said that the attackers determined religious identity by removing people’s clothes.
One female survivor recounted how her husband was shot in the head after being asked his name. When it was discovered that he was not a Muslim, he was killed on the spot. Another woman said that once the firing started, people began running for their lives, but there was nowhere to hide in the open grassland.
Security forces reached the scene swiftly and launched a cordon and search operation in the area. The injured, many in critical condition, were carried down the mountainous terrain with the help of local horsemen. From there, they were rushed to nearby hospitals in nine ambulances. Two critically injured individuals were airlifted for urgent treatment.
This mass shooting, just 15 kilometers from the Nunwan Base Camp of the Amarnath Yatra route, is believed to be a premeditated attempt to create fear ahead of the pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3. Over 2 lakh devotees have already registered for the yatra, and the attack has triggered widespread alarm and grief.
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident and promised strict action against those responsible. He stated that he has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a foreign visit, and is traveling to Srinagar to assess the security situation personally. Shah emphasized that the government will ensure the harshest punishment for the perpetrators of this heinous act.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act of terror. He assured that those behind the attack would not be spared. Security forces, including the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, have intensified the search operation in the area. Meanwhile, local authorities have been directed to provide immediate medical aid to the injured.
The attack, the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy, has once again raised concerns over targeted violence and security preparedness in the region. As the nation mourns, the government has pledged justice and increased vigilance to protect the lives of civilians and pilgrims alike.
