More than 20 people were killed in a tragic incident after gunmen opened fire on a group of domestic tourists visiting a popular scenic spot in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack occurred in Baisaran, a mountain-top meadow about five kilometers from the town of Pahalgam, a location often referred to as the “Switzerland of India” due to its picturesque landscapes and appeal to nature lovers.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as the gunfire erupted, sending people fleeing in all directions. A tourist from Gujarat recounted how chaos unfolded within seconds, with people screaming and running for cover. Many were injured, and some are reported to be in critical condition. Several victims were taken to nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds.
The scale of the attack has shocked many, with authorities stating it is the largest such assault on civilians in the region in recent years. Armed forces and police personnel were swiftly deployed to the area, which is inaccessible by vehicle, to secure the site and search for those responsible. A security cordon was established, and vehicles are being stopped at checkpoints as the manhunt continues.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but it has brought back painful memories of past violence in the region, which has witnessed a decades-long separatist insurgency. The conflict, which began in 1989, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, including civilians and members of the security forces. Although incidents of violence had decreased in recent years, the latest attack has reignited fears of instability.
Footage circulating online, though unverified, shows scenes of devastation, with bodies strewn across the meadow and people crying out for help. In one video, victims appear to suggest that the attackers may have targeted non-Muslims specifically. Other clips show security personnel rushing toward the site in response to the gunfire.
The broader political and military context adds to the gravity of the situation. Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of which claim the region in full but control different parts. Since the partition of British India in 1947, the two countries have fought multiple wars and skirmishes over the territory. The region remains heavily militarized, with approximately 500,000 Indian troops permanently stationed there.
In 2019, the Indian government revoked the region’s partial autonomy, a move that was met with both support and criticism. The government argued it would lead to greater integration and development, including a boost in tourism. Indeed, official figures indicate that around 3.5 million tourists visited Kashmir in 2024, highlighting the region’s growing appeal.
This attack, however, threatens to undermine those efforts. In recent years, the government has worked hard to present Kashmir as a safe and attractive destination for visitors. Pahalgam, in particular, has been central to those efforts, known for its lush meadows, pristine rivers, and hiking trails.
The recent violence serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of peace in the region. While development and tourism have made strides, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. As the search for the perpetrators continues, questions are being raised about security preparedness and the future of tourism in Kashmir.
