How deadly attack unfolded in Kashmir tourist hotspot

At least 26 civilians shot dead as India vows to catch gunmen

- SHWETA SHARMA

A volley of gunfire broke the calm of the picturesque Pahalgam valley in Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people in the deadliest attack on civilians in decades in the restive Himalayan region of India. The attack began at around 2.30pm local time [0900 GMT] in Baisaran, a small valley dubbed “miniSwitzerland” for its snow-capped peaks and lush meadows accessible only by foot or on horseback.

Thousands of tourists, both domestic and international – many looking to escape the Indian summer heat – arrive in Pahalgam in southern Kashmir on any given spring day to enjoy the meadows ringed by dense pine forests. So it was on Tuesday, until gunshots echoed in the valley and sent panicked visitors running for their lives.

Witnesses say between four and six gunmen in military-style outfits emerged from the nearby forest and unleashed a barrage of gunfire at close range in an attack that lasted 15 to 20 minutes. As the shots rang out, many tourists ran for cover, but there was scarcely anywhere to hide in the open meadow, where more than 1,200 people were reportedly present at the time.

A survivor said it felt “like an eternity” as the attackers moved across the meadow firing indiscriminately. “They were there at least for 20 minutes, undeterred, moving around and opening fire,” the tourist was quoted as telling police by The Indian Express.