Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening when at least 26 tourists lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam. According to police sources, gunfire erupted in the area—popular among visitors—prompting security forces to launch an immediate operation. Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified gunmen opened fire at close range, injuring several people in addition to the fatalities. Survivors described the horrifying scene, with one woman telling PTI that her husband was shot in the head and seven others were wounded in the attack. Baisaran is only accessible on foot or horseback, making rescue efforts challenging. Authorities deployed helicopters to evacuate the injured, with help from local residents who transported victims down the valley using ponies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar to chair a high-level security meeting in response to the attack. He was received at the airport by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Meanwhile, protests broke out across Jammu and Kashmir, with citizens expressing outrage and mourning the loss of innocent lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, held a phone conversation with Amit Shah and directed him to ensure all necessary actions are taken. The Prime Minister also urged the Home Minister to visit the site of the incident personally. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly and unacceptable.” While she cited at least five deaths in her initial remarks, official counts later confirmed 26 fatalities. She emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and to assess any possible lapses in security. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also reacted strongly, calling the attack an “abomination.” In a statement, he said: “I’m shocked beyond belief. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman, and deserve our utmost contempt. My deepest sympathies go out to the families of those who lost their lives.” BJP leader Ravinder Raina claimed the attack was orchestrated by Pakistani terrorists and criticized them for targeting innocent civilians. “They are too cowardly to face the Indian Army and our security forces, so they attack unarmed tourists,” he said. This latest attack follows a similar incident last year in Ganderbal district, where terrorists killed a doctor and six construction workers at a tunnel site. At the time, CM Abdullah had condemned it as a “dastardly and cowardly” act. The situation remains tense as security forces continue combing the area for the attackers, while the nation reels from the loss of innocent lives.