A tragic terrorist attack unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination located about five kilometers from the town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. This horrifying incident claimed the lives of 26 tourists, marking it as the most severe civilian attack in the region in recent years. Several others were left injured and traumatised.

Moments of Peace Shattered by Gunfire

Shortly before the shooting began, a video surfaced on social media showing a tourist calmly walking through the lush meadow. The serene environment quickly turned into a scene of terror as the sound of gunshots and screams erupted. The camera caught the terrifying moment when panic broke out among the visitors, exposing the suddenness of the attack.

Eyewitness Recalls His Narrow Escape

In another video, the same tourist reappeared visibly shaken, speaking about his escape. “A terrorist attack has taken place here… we escaped narrowly… god will protect us,” he said. He later spoke to a news outlet and described how the attack caught everyone off guard.

“We thought it was firecrackers when we heard two to three rounds. When we heard people screaming, we ran for our lives,” he told India Today. Expressing disbelief, he added, “Such an attack has never happened there. This is probably the first time… the atmosphere was peaceful. It is unfortunate.”

New Footage Reveals Panic Among Tourists

Another video recorded by a local resident showed the first few minutes of the attack. It captured tourists running frantically while screams echoed in the background. The footage highlighted the fear and confusion that took over as people desperately tried to flee.

Police Confirm Deadliest Civilian Strike Since 2019

Local authorities confirmed that terrorists opened fire at Baisaran in the afternoon. The attack killed 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists from other Indian states. According to officials, two foreign nationals—one from the UAE and another from Nepal—also lost their lives, along with two local residents.

Prime Minister Modi Cuts Trip Short

The horrifying incident sent shockwaves across the country and drew strong reactions internationally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on an official visit, immediately cut his trip short. He returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night, a day earlier than planned, to address the situation.

Government Vows Strong Action

Security forces and intelligence agencies are now investigating the attack and planning appropriate countermeasures. As the nation reels from the tragedy, leaders have promised to take decisive action. Meanwhile, the entire country grieves for the innocent lives lost in this senseless act of terror.