At least 26 tourists were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday after gunmen opened fire in a popular resort town in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The attack took place on Tuesday in Pahalgam, around 90km from Srinagar, the region’s main city.
According to Indian police, the assailants ambushed a group of tourists, firing at close range. The attack also left more than three dozen people wounded, many of whom remain in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault so far, according to Al Jazeera.
“This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” said Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, on social media. “The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt,” he added.
Two senior police officers told The Associated Press that at least four gunmen were involved. Most of the victims were Indian tourists, officials confirmed.
Divashi Shorba, a tourist from Kolkata stranded near the site, described the chaos and lack of communication. “Everyone is saying something different, but no one has any real answers,” he told Al Jazeera.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the “heinous act” and pledged that the attackers “will be brought to justice.” US President Donald Trump also voiced support, calling the news “deeply disturbing” and affirming solidarity with India against terrorism.
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies,” Trump shared on Truth Social.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is en route to Srinagar to oversee the situation, promising “harshest consequences” for those behind the attack.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Kashmiri separatist leader, also condemned the violence. “Such cowardly attacks are against the ethos of Kashmir, which welcomes visitors with love and warmth,” he wrote on social media.
The region has witnessed increased militarisation and unrest since the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019, deepening tensions in the disputed territory.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims but confirmed most were domestic tourists. Medics in Anantnag, a nearby district, treated multiple victims, including at least two with gunshot wounds and one with a neck injury.
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned what she initially reported as a five-person fatality count. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam,” she said.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and urged the government to accept accountability. “The whole country is united against terrorism,” he said.
Despite the increased presence of security forces—estimated at around 500,000 personnel—sporadic violence persists. India continues to accuse Pakistan of supporting armed groups behind the unrest. Islamabad denies the allegations, stating it supports Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
