In a shocking act of violence during peak tourist season, a terrorist attack in the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir claimed one life and left six tourists injured on Tuesday, April 22. The incident occurred near the Baisaran meadows, a popular tourist spot accessible only by foot or horseback. Eyewitnesses described a sudden burst of gunfire. “My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack,” a woman survivor told PTI, pleading for immediate medical help for the injured. Security forces responded swiftly, rushing to the area as gunshots echoed through the valley.

The attack has sparked outrage and fear as it comes just ahead of the highly anticipated 38-day Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. The Pahalgam route is one of the two main paths taken by pilgrims heading to the Amarnath shrine, making the area a significant hub for both tourism and religious travel. Known for its lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and sprawling meadows, Pahalgam has long been a symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty and a draw for domestic and international tourists alike. The assault is a serious blow to efforts aimed at reviving tourism in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack in the strongest terms. “This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt,” he said in a post on X, expressing his shock and extending sympathies to the family of the deceased. The identity of the victim has not been officially released, and the condition of the injured remains unclear as authorities continue to assess the situation. Security has been tightened across Pahalgam and nearby regions, while an investigation is underway. More details are expected as the story develops.