Pahalgam: Following the terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, which led to the deaths of 28 tourists, numerous distressing clips and accounts have emerged. The incident took place in Baisaran meadow, located roughly five kilometres from Pahalgam, indicating a troubling rise in violence against civilians in the region.
One video circulating shows an individual in the meadow during the assault, shifting from a peaceful environment to one engulfed in chaos as gunfire and screams ring out. In another clip, the same person escapes and alerts others about the terrorist act, expressing gratitude and praying for their safety.
A survivor recounted their ordeal, initially thinking the gunfire was from firecrackers, and described the immediate panic, "Upon hearing the screams, we fled for our lives," highlighting the shocking nature of such unprecedented violence in the area.
Officials confirmed that gunfire broke out at the tourist destination, tragically impacting holidaymakers mainly from other states, making it the deadliest incident in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack. The death toll has risen to 28, including two foreign nationals and two locals.
A photo obtained by India Today shows one of the attackers wielding an AK-47 amid the chaos in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where the devastating incident took place around 2:30 pm, resulting in 26 fatalities.
This region, known as 'mini Switzerland,' suffered an unprecedented assault claimed by The Resistance Front, which is associated with the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, security forces have intensified operations to capture the culprits.
Witnesses describe scenes of terror as gunfire erupted, leaving tourists desperately searching for safety in open fields. One observer noted the horrifying absence of any shelter, commenting, "There was nowhere to hide." Images from the site depicted bodies scattered across the meadow, while locals hurried to aid the injured, with disturbing visuals of distressed women among them.
Political leaders have vehemently condemned the attack, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with the families of the victims. As investigations and security measures continue in the region, the nation mourns the tragic loss of innocent lives. Authorities have pledged to bring the attackers to justice and ensure the safety of the region.
