Indian security forces have launched a massive manhunt in Kashmir following a deadly militant attack on tourists, which claimed the lives of 26 people in the region's worst assault on civilians in 25 years.
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a popular tourist site in Pahalgam, when gunmen emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on crowds using automatic weapons. Most of the victims were men from various parts of India, with one from neighboring Nepal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack as a "heinous act" and vowed, “The perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
The victims' bodies were transported to Srinagar on Wednesday, as military helicopters circled overhead in search of the attackers. Meanwhile, security forces have intensified patrols and combed the surrounding forests and mountainous terrain.
Gauteng’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the massacre as “an abomination,” calling the assailants “inhuman” and “worthy of contempt.” No group has claimed responsibility, but Kashmir has been gripped by insurgency since 1989, driven by rebel groups seeking independence or merger with Pakistan, which controls part of the region and also lays claim to it.
According to the Indian Army, a separate infiltration attempt was reported in Baramulla, where troops engaged in a firefight with suspected militants crossing from Pakistan. Two attackers were reportedly killed.
Eyewitness accounts from the Pahalgam attack painted a chilling picture. A local tour guide named Waheed said he rushed to the scene after hearing gunfire and helped transport the wounded. Survivors told media that the gunmen, dressed in uniforms, spared women and roamed the area for nearly 20 minutes, firing indiscriminately.
The attack came just a day after Modi met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi. In a statement, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to combat terrorism, stating, “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve is unshakable.”
The killings have drawn international condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump contacted Modi to offer America's full support in bringing those responsible to justice.
The Indian government has deployed roughly 500,000 troops in Kashmir, but violence had subsided somewhat since New Delhi revoked the region's limited autonomy in 2019. Tourism had seen a revival, with over 3.5 million domestic visitors arriving in 2024. Now, that progress has been upended.
National carrier Air India added emergency flights out of Srinagar on Wednesday, as frightened tourists scrambled to flee the valley.
Security analysts, including Michael Kugelman, warned that the attack could trigger a fresh crisis between India and Pakistan, reminiscent of the Pulwama bombing in 2019, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel and brought the two nuclear nations to the brink of war.
As the investigation intensifies, authorities remain on high alert, with both domestic and international communities closely watching the fallout of Kashmir’s bloodiest day in decades.