At least 28 people were killed and more than 60 others injured after terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, a scenic spot in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The Pahalgam terror attack took place on Tuesday evening and has triggered nationwide outrage and condemnation.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the assault. The timing of the attack, just days ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance, and shortly after 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana was extradited to India, has raised major concerns over possible international coordination and intelligence failures.

Terror  mastermind identified

Intelligence agencies believe the attack was masterminded by Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Saifullah Sajid Jutt, a 45-year-old top operative and close aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed. Kasuri is said to have long-standing ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and elements of the Pakistan Army. He is known for working under the guise of religious outreach and charity, making his operations harder to trace.

Death toll rises to 28

The brutal incident unfolded in Baisaran Valley, often called “Mini Switzerland” for its lush meadows and tourist appeal. According to eyewitnesses, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on unsuspecting tourists, including women and children. Survivors described scenes of panic and bloodshed, with people running for cover as bullets rained down.

More than 60 people were injured, many of them critically, and are currently being treated in hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag.

Security tightened across the Jammu region

Immediately after the attack, security has been heightened across the Jammu region and adjoining areas. Police and paramilitary forces have been put on high alert, while local authorities have called for a bandh (shutdown) in protest. Intelligence inputs suggest possible attempts by terror outfits to destabilize the region ahead of major events like the Amarnath Yatra, prompting heightened vigilance across the Kashmir Valley.

Emergency flights deployed to evacuate survivors

To ensure swift evacuation of the injured and distressed tourists, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu coordinated with Home Minister Amit Shah to deploy four emergency flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai. Authorities are also monitoring flight prices to prevent fare surges and may expand flight availability based on public demand and logistical needs.

Prime Minister Modi cuts short Saudi visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and oversee the response to the attack. He is expected to hold high-level security meetings and review the preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage.

Geopolitical context: A calculated strike?

The attack comes at a time of high geopolitical sensitivity:

The Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage, is due to begin soon.

US Vice President JD Vance is currently visiting India, marking an important diplomatic moment.

Just days ago, Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11), was extradited from the US to India, rekindling tensions with Pakistan.

Analysts believe the attack may have been timed to disrupt peace in the region, undermine diplomatic ties, and send a message to both India and the international community.

Nationwide condemnation and global reactions

Political leaders, civil society, and international observers have condemned the attack. Social media has been flooded with tributes, and several opposition leaders have called for an urgent review of security protocols in Jammu and Kashmir.

Investigations are underway, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies involved. There is likely to be increased international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror outfits operating from its soil. Meanwhile, efforts continue to bring the injured to safety, provide support to the families of the deceased, and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.