New Delhi/Srinagar: In a horrifying act of violence that has left the nation in mourning, at least 26 people, mostly tourists, were shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley—a popular destination in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the most devastating terror attack in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing that claimed the lives of 47 CRPF personnel.
The attackers, reportedly wearing Indian Army uniforms, entered the valley around 3 PM, targeting tourists gathered near food stalls and pony rides. Survivors have recounted how the gunmen demanded religious identification before opening fire with assault rifles.
“They Asked for Kalma, Then Shot Him in the Head”
Heart-wrenching accounts have emerged from the site. Asavari Jagdale (26) from Pune told authorities that her father, Santosh Jagdale (54), was dragged out of a tent and ordered to recite the Kalma—an Islamic profession of faith. When he failed, the assailants fired three bullets into his head and back, killing him instantly.
Another woman, who narrowly escaped, said her husband was executed on the spot after being identified as non-Muslim. “They asked for his name and then shot him. There was no place to hide,” she said, sobbing.
Victims Include Naval Officer, IB Agent, Newlyweds Among the Dead
The list of deceased paints a grim picture of lives cut short:
Lt. Vinay Narwal, 26, a Navy officer from Karnal, was on honeymoon just six days after his wedding.
Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur, also recently married, was killed with his wife.
IB officer Manish Ranjan, posted in Hyderabad and originally from Bihar, was gunned down while vacationing with family.
Five victims from Maharashtra, including women and children.
Two foreign nationals and two local civilians were also killed.
Over 20 others sustained injuries, some of them in critical condition.
Attack Claimed by TRF, Lashkar-Backed Terror Outfit
Responsibility for the massacre has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—a Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked outfit. Security agencies believe the attack was strategically timed ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3.
Sources in the security establishment say the attack mirrors the 2019 Pulwama strategy, with religious targeting and mass casualties designed to spark communal unrest and international attention.
PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Trip, CCS Meet in Delhi Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned early from his Saudi Arabia visit after being briefed on the incident. He skipped a scheduled dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and returned to New Delhi last night.
The PM will chair an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today to review the Kashmir situation, assess intelligence failures, and finalize retaliatory measures.
“Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism will only grow stronger,” PM Modi said in a late-night statement.
Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar, Orders Crackdown
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an urgent meeting with intelligence and counterterror officials in Delhi before flying to Srinagar early Wednesday. Shah is expected to meet the Governor, Army officials, and local administration to personally oversee the response.
Nationwide Anger, Jammu Shutdown Today
The attack has triggered massive outrage across the country. Several Hindu organizations, under the banner of VHP Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, have called for a shutdown in Jammu today. The bandh has received support from political parties, bar associations, and civil society groups.
Security across Jammu has been tightened. Schools and colleges have declared a holiday, and mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in sensitive areas.
Protests and rallies are expected throughout the day, with slogans against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism ringing through the streets.
Disturbing Videos Surface from the Scene
Videos from the attack site have surfaced online, showing bodies lying in pools of blood. One particularly disturbing clip shows a blood-soaked man slumped on a chair, with two women pleading for help. A child’s body is seen nearby, motionless on the ground.
Eyewitnesses say the terrorists forced people to strip in some cases to verify religious identity before executing them.
Several Detained in Overnight Raids
Security forces launched a massive overnight crackdown, detaining several suspects from nearby villages in South Kashmir. Intelligence officials are probing their links to TRF and cross-border handlers.
International Reactions, Diplomatic Ramifications
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from the US, France, and Israel, with all three nations pledging solidarity with India. Diplomats suggest that New Delhi may escalate pressure on Pakistan at international forums including the UN and FATF.
Call for Answers: Was There an Intelligence Failure?
Political leaders from opposition parties have raised serious concerns over security lapses, especially when multiple alerts had been issued about a potential strike before the Amarnath Yatra.
Congress, AAP, and regional parties have demanded a Parliamentary inquiry and sought accountability from the intelligence agencies and the Home Ministry.
Nation Mourns, India Unites Against Terror
From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the bylanes of Lucknow, a wave of grief and fury has swept across the country. Vigils, prayer meetings, and protest marches are being held as the nation stands united in solidarity with the victims and their families.
India is once again reminded of the ever-present threat of terrorism—but also of its resilience. The government has vowed that those responsible will be hunted down, and justice will be swift.
The country waits now for the outcome of today’s high-stakes CCS meeting in Delhi, as national security agencies prepare for what could be a decisive response in the fight against terror.
