Tourists Targeted in Pahalgam: 26 Dead in Kashmir Horror, India Issues Diplomatic Firestorm

By Eshorjit : Infinitrix News Team | May 6, 2025

Pahalgam, Kashmir — In one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the region this year, 26 tourists were killed and over 30 injured in a brutal attack near the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, South Kashmir. The assault took place late Sunday evening when unidentified gunmen opened fire on three tourist vehicles returning from a sunset hike.

Attack Details

Eyewitnesses reported sustained automatic gunfire and grenades thrown from a forested slope above the trail. The attack lasted nearly 15 minutes. Most victims were from West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Officials say several children and elderly tourists are among the dead.

“This was a premeditated act of terror targeting civilians in a peaceful tourist area. It bears the signature of Lashkar-backed infiltrators,” said Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Army Commander.

Security forces have launched a cordon-and-search operation across a 5-km radius in the Anantnag–Pahalgam corridor. The Army has deployed UAVs, sniffer dogs, and high-mobility units to track the attackers.

India Blames Pakistan-Based Groups

In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the attack. Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were both named as likely perpetrators.

“Pakistan continues to shelter terrorist infrastructure despite repeated international warnings. This massacre is a direct result of its inaction,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

New Delhi has summoned Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner for an official protest note. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting on Monday morning, terming the attack “barbaric and unforgivable.”

Pakistan Responds

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied involvement and condemned the killings. “We categorically reject baseless allegations. Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism,” read the official statement.

However, the statement did not offer cooperation or investigation support, further fueling India’s diplomatic ire.

Tourism Sector Devastated

With over 200 cancellations within hours of the incident, the local tourism economy in Kashmir is bracing for a major setback. This comes just as the valley was witnessing record tourist footfall post-pandemic.

“Everything we built in the last two seasons has collapsed overnight. Tour operators are in shock,” said Ashfaq Mir, President, Kashmir Hotel & Tourism Association (KHTA).

Yatra bookings for the Amarnath pilgrimage have reportedly dropped 18% in 24 hours, a worrying trend ahead of the summer tourism season.

Global Condemnation

The United Nations, United States, and European Union issued statements condemning the killings and called for restraint from both sides. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged India and Pakistan to avoid escalation and cooperate in “bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

What Happens Next?

With border tensions flaring and both nations trading accusations, analysts fear a prolonged standoff. Army reinforcements have been moved to forward posts along the LoC, and intelligence agencies are on high alert for potential retaliatory incidents.

Infinitrix News will continue to monitor this breaking story and bring verified updates as they emerge.