A tragic Kashmir tourist shooting claimed at least 24 lives on Tuesday in India-occupied Kashmir, marking one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years. According to senior police sources, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists near the popular hill station of Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Gunfire in a Peaceful Destination
The attack shocked the region, especially as Pahalgam is a well-known tourist hub that usually sees a surge of visitors during summer. Recent years had seen a decline in militant activity, making this sudden burst of violence even more alarming. Witnesses described the chaos and confusion as gunfire erupted without warning.
“The firing happened right in front of us,” one survivor told Indian media. “We thought they were firecrackers. But as people screamed and fled, we realized it was something much worse.” Another eyewitness said they ran for nearly four kilometers without stopping, fearing for their lives.
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Uncertainty Over Casualties
Authorities have not officially confirmed the death toll, but multiple security sources provided varying figures—ranging from 20 to 26 fatalities. All requested anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly. A senior police officer did confirm to international media that “at least 24 people” were dead, with several others wounded and rushed to local hospitals.
At a hospital in Anantnag, medics treated survivors with gunshot wounds. Among them was a tourist with a bullet injury to the neck and another with multiple gunshot wounds.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Waheed, a local tour guide who arrived at the scene after hearing gunshots, described the aftermath. “I saw several people lying on the ground. Some looked dead. I carried some of the wounded away on horseback,” he said.
The attack reportedly took place in a secluded meadow area, away from main roads. According to the Indian Express, two or three armed attackers were involved, although their identities remain unknown.
Official Reactions
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the scale of the tragedy in a statement posted on social media. “The death toll is still being verified. This attack is more severe than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
The nationalities of the victims have not been confirmed yet. Local authorities have set up checkpoints and increased security in the area, fearing further violence.
A Sudden Shift in the Valley
This attack comes as a grim reminder of the region’s volatile history. While violence in Kashmir had seen a downward trend, this incident could reignite concerns over civilian safety and the fragile peace in the area. Tour operators and locals alike expressed shock, with some fearing that tourism in the valley—already struggling—may take another major hit.
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