Srinagar – The serene valley of Pahalgam turned into a scene of horror as a deadly terror attack claimed 28 lives, including 27 men and one woman. More than ten others remain hospitalized with serious injuries. The bodies of the deceased have been brought to Srinagar for postmortem, including that of Ramachandran, a native of Edappally in Kochi, whose son has arrived in Srinagar to escort his father’s remains home.
Intelligence agencies confirmed the involvement of six terrorists, with eyewitnesses stating that four of them opened fire indiscriminately. In response, security forces have launched massive search operations across Pahalgam, Baisaran, Anantnag, and neighboring regions. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to arrive in Pahalgam today to take over the probe.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Kashmir yesterday and chaired a high-level security meeting, is visiting Pahalgam today to personally assess the ground situation and monitor the counter-terror operations.
In the wake of the attack, a nationwide high alert has been declared. Security has been ramped up across major cities, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh enforcing heightened vigilance. Police presence has been visibly increased at tourist hubs and strategic locations in the capital, following strict surveillance orders.
The victims include tourists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat—and tragically, two foreign nationals—underscoring the far-reaching impact of the assault.
As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to justice and restoring peace in the troubled region.
