Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Leaves 26 Tourists Dead: Eyewitnesses Recall Horror in Kashmir Valley

Baisaran Valley Turned Into a Scene of Chaos and Tragedy

PAHALGAM, INDIA A peaceful evening in Kashmir’s scenic Baisaran Valley turned into a nightmarish bloodbath as unidentified terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists Monday. The brutal ambush left 26 people dead and over 20 seriously injured, according to local officials. The attack occurred in the popular tourist hub of Pahalgam, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland.”

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as gunfire erupted just 20 feet away from groups of tourists riding on horseback. Panic and confusion spread rapidly. Survivors recounted running through narrow forest trails to escape the volley of bullets.

Survivors Share Gripping Accounts of Terror

Tilak Rupchandani, a tourist from Nagpur, Maharashtra, shared a chilling account of the incident. He had booked a horse ride through seven tourist points when, shortly after leaving Mini Switzerland, the serenity was shattered by sudden gunfire.

“My wife jumped off a hill in desperation to escape the bullets. Both her legs were fractured,” Rupchandani said. “There were thousands of people running in fear, chanting God’s name, trying to save their lives. No one looked back. There was no time to search for anyone in the crowd.”

His wife added, “The sound of bullets echoed for what felt like an eternity. I couldn’t even look back to see if Tilak was behind me.”

Nation in Shock: High Alert Declared Across Major Cities

The carnage in Pahalgam has sent shockwaves across India. Major cities including Mumbai and New Delhi have been placed under high alert. Mumbai Police have ramped up surveillance with senior officers and DCPs instructed to maintain a heightened state of readiness. Increased patrolling, roadblocks, and identity checks are in effect.

In Delhi, similar measures are being taken. Checkpoints have been established across the city, with visible police presence at key junctions and public areas. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher took to social media, expressing his grief and anger. “Wrong… Wrong… Wrong!!! Pahalgam massacre!! Words are impotent today!! #Pahalgam,” he posted, echoing the nation’s collective mourning and outrage.