Amit Shah pays tribute, NIA probes site, PM Modi vows justice after deadly terror attack in Pahalgam

What unfolded since last night after at least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in a horrific terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday. The attack marks the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, shocking the nation and drawing condemnation from global leaders.

The attack took place at Baisaran, a scenic area accessible only by foot or pony, where several tourists had ventured in the morning. Eyewitnesses reported chaos and gunfire as armed terrorists targeted the group indiscriminately. Black flags and slogans were seen at the scene, pointing to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which later claimed responsibility. However, an official confirmation from Indian authorities is still awaited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi Arabia visit, returned to India and immediately chaired a high-level security meeting at Delhi airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice and will not be spared," PM Modi assured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the victims and directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take charge of the probe. The NIA has already begun evidence collection at the attack site. Heavy security deployment and intensified combing operations have been initiated in the region to track down the attackers.

The international community strongly condemned the attack. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed their solidarity with India and offered condolences to the victims' families. The brutal attack is seen as an attempt to derail the relative peace and revival of tourism in Kashmir.

Helpline numbers have been activated for assistance: Emergency Control Room - Srinagar (0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, 7006058623), 24/7 Tourist Help Desk - Police Control Room, Anantnag (9596777669, 01932-225870, WhatsApp: 9419051940), and Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Department (8899931010, 8899941010, 9906663868, 9906906115).