In one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, 26 people, including tourists and security personnel, were killed in a brutal ambush near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The attack, which targeted civilians during peak tourist season, triggered a wave of national mourning and global condemnation.

PM Modi cuts short Saudi trip, leads security response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to Delhi ahead of schedule and skipped the official banquet hosted in his honor following the news of the attack. Chairing a high-level emergency meeting upon arrival, PM Modi asserted that India’s “resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable” and promised a stronger crackdown on terror.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached Srinagar to conduct an on-ground security review. He convened an urgent meeting in Delhi immediately after the attack, attended by top officials including Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, and J&K Police DGP.

Tourists among victims as attackers target civilians

The attackers targeted a group of tourists near Pahalgam, resulting in casualties from multiple states. Among the deceased were two tourists from Maharashtra—identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone—and a realtor from Karnataka, reportedly shot in front of his family. A Navy officer from Haryana, an Intelligence Officer from Telangana, and an accountant from Odisha’s Balasore district were also killed. Several others sustained serious injuries.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and ordered intensive anti-terror operations in the area. He assured that the perpetrators “will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act”.

Sharp political and international reactions

Leaders across party lines condemned the attack, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh terming it an “act of cowardice”, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge calling it “a blot on humanity”. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said the attack was “deeply concerning” and demanded a thorough investigation into potential security lapses.

Globally, leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with India. Trump said America “stands strong” with India, while Russia reaffirmed its commitment to counter terrorism. Israel and the UAE also joined in denouncing the attack.

Security tightened ahead of Amarnath Yatra

The incident comes just as preparations for the Amarnath Yatra are underway. The pilgrimage, set to begin on July 3, passes through Pahalgam, raising concerns about the safety of pilgrims and tourists in the region. Authorities are reassessing security protocols in light of the attack.

Pahalgam, known for its serene landscape and rich natural beauty, has long attracted visitors, making the attack a major blow to the region’s recovering tourism industry.

US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children, is set to visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra today as part of his ongoing four-day trip to India. The Vance family had earlier arrived in Delhi and already visited Jaipur before heading to Agra for this leg of the tour.

The visit to the Taj Mahal is expected to last around three hours, after which the delegation will return to Jaipur. Extensive security measures have been rolled out across Agra ahead of the high-profile visit.

Enhanced security and civic arrangements

According to officials, security agencies are working in coordination to ensure a smooth visit. DCP City Sonam Kumar stated that a security liaison meeting has already taken place, involving key stakeholders such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Archaeological Department, the Indian Air Force, and local police. “Duty arrangements will be made on the route. Verification of all the artists and school children who will participate in the programme will be done,” he added.

Preparations in the city include beautification efforts, with public spaces being decorated to welcome the US Vice President and his family.

Context of the visit

JD Vance’s trip to India comes shortly after the imposition—and subsequent pause—of a broad tariff regime by US President Donald Trump. The tariffs targeted about 60 countries, including India, and Vance’s visit is being viewed as a diplomatic engagement amid the shifting trade policy landscape.

The Vice President’s four-day official visit concludes on April 24, with the delegation scheduled to depart at 6:40 am.

In a disturbing incident amidst peak tourist season, five tourists were injured on Monday following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. The attack occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley, known for its lush meadows and a favourite among visitors, especially during this time of the year.

Tourists caught in crossfire in remote valley

According to officials, gunshots were heard in the upper reaches of Baisaran Valley, which is only accessible by foot or horseback. The area, popular among trekkers and tourists, quickly turned into a scene of chaos as armed terrorists—reportedly in camouflage—opened fire. It is suspected to be a targeted attack.

Following the attack, security personnel and medical teams rushed to the site. The injured tourists have been provided medical assistance, and an intensive search operation is underway in the forested terrain to locate and neutralize the attackers.

Attack timed ahead of Amarnath Yatra

The attack comes just as preparations are underway for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to commence on July 3. One of the main pilgrimage routes—spanning 48 kilometres—passes through Pahalgam in Anantnag district, further raising security concerns. The other route via Baltal in Ganderbal district, though shorter, is known to be more challenging.

Government response and heightened alert

The timing of the attack is particularly sensitive, given Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to the region where he emphasized the need for stringent anti-terror measures. During a high-level security review meeting, the Home Minister directed authorities to eliminate terrorism with a renewed focus on the Jammu division and stressed a policy of zero tolerance towards infiltration.

Security arrangements across the Valley, particularly around pilgrimage routes and tourist hubs, are expected to be intensified following this incident.