PTI, SRINAGAR, APRIL 22, 2025 : Multiple tourists were feared killed and at least 20 injured when terrorists opened fire in a picturesque meadow near Kashmir’s Pahalgam town, breaking the calm of a regular Tuesday afternoon with scores of people enjoying their day out.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday termed the terrorist attack as shocking and painful, and said that their dastardly, inhuman act of targeting innocent citizens was unpardonable. The President also offered heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
“The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,” Murmu said in a post on X.
The death toll could be more than 20, estimated a high-ranking official without getting into details. The toll is still being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while describing the terror attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
The attack, which comes as US Vice-President JD Vance is visiting India, took place around 3 PM, officials said. It could be the biggest terror strike in Kashmir since February 2019, when 47 CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Pulwama.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.
Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains, and is a favourite with tourists and trekkers.
Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’, and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides, or just picnicking and taking in the sights, officials said.
“Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.
Purported videos from the spot showed the chilling sight of lifeless bodies and women crying. No independent official verification was available.