Pahalgam Attack: LeT-Linked Group Claims Responsibility

New Delhi: At least twenty-six people were killed after terrorists opened fire at Baisaran, a popular meadow near the resort town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir around 3 PM on Tuesday. An Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau personnel were also killed in the attack.

The incident took place at Baisaran, often referred to as “mini Switzerland” for its meadows and panoramic views, roughly six kilometres from Pahalgam. The site is especially popular during the spring and summer months, attracting tourists from across India and abroad.

Tourists enjoying pony rides, picnics, or relaxing at roadside eateries were caught completely off guard as witnesses report hearing sustained gunfire, followed by scenes of chaos.

According to survivors, the attackers asked the victims their names before opening fire. In one chilling account, a woman told news agency PTI that her husband was shot in the head and seven others were injured nearby. Visuals from Pahalgam showed bodies lying on the ground as their relatives scream for help.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.

A massive manhunt has been launched. Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police have cordoned off the area. Helicopters were deployed to evacuate the injured from the inaccessible meadow. Locals helped in transporting the wounded on ponies down the rugged terrain to Pahalgam.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has activated 24×7 emergency control rooms in both Anantnag and Srinagar.

Civil aviation authorities have announced measures to support stranded and grieving families. Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, will run additional flights to and from Srinagar and have waived cancellation and rescheduling fees. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has urged airlines not to engage in surge pricing. (PTI)