Gunmen Attack Tourists in Kashmir, Leaving Multiple Casualties

SRINAGAR, India — At least five people were killed and several others wounded when gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, on Tuesday, authorities reported. The attack is deemed unprecedented in its scale, targeting civilians in the region.

The assault occurred in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow located three miles from Pahalgam, also known as the ‘Switzerland of India.’ Regional Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack as an ‘abomination,’ expressing shock over the violence against visitors.

Reports indicate that multiple tourists suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Video footage circulating on social media captured Indian troops rushing towards the area as the violence unfolded. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, confirmed that both army and police forces had been deployed to the scene.

Abdullah characterized the incident as ‘much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,’ without providing specific details regarding the current death toll. Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off as police conduct a manhunt for the assailants.

The shooting coincided with a personal visit to India by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, heightening concerns surrounding security in the region. Baisaran is a favored site for tourists, frequented by hundreds each day who seek to enjoy its stunning views, which include snow-capped mountains and lush pine forests.

Last June, a similar incident resulted in the deaths of at least nine people when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims plunged into a gorge after being targeted by militants. Such acts of violence reflect the longstanding conflict in Kashmir, where insurgency against Indian rule has persisted since 1989.

Decades of tension have left tens of thousands dead, including civilians, militants, and government forces, with many within the region advocating for either independence or unification with Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently accused Islamabad of supporting terrorism in Kashmir, a claim that Pakistan denies, portraying the situation as a legitimate freedom struggle.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but authorities are investigating the incident rigorously as the search for the perpetrators continues.