At least 26 tourists have been killed and ten injured after gunmen opened fire at a popular beauty spot in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Most of the victims were Indian, although two foreign nationals are also reportedly among the dead.
Officials have described the shooting as a “terror attack”, blaming it on militants opposing Indian rule. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
The shooting happened in Pahalgam, a Himalayan town famous for its stunning valleys, located just 30 miles south-east of Srinagar, the region’s main city.
Indian police officers stand guard outside the police control room in Srinagar, following a suspected militant attack near south Kashmir's scenic Pahalgam
Reuters
An Indian police officer stands guard as a vehicle carrying the relatives of the tourists who were killed in a suspected militant attack near Pahalgam, arrives at the police control room in Srinagar
Reuters
It coincided with US Vice President JD Vance's four-day visit to India with his family. The VP was in the western city of Jaipur when the attacks occurred.
Two senior officials said at least four gunmen fired at dozens of horrified tourists in the Baisaran meadow from close range on Tuesday.
Many of those injured are said to be in a serious condition.
Omar Abdullah, the region's main elected official, said: “This attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Members from All Kashmir Tourist Taxi Transporters Welfare Federation hold placards during a sit-in to condemn the attacks
Reuters
Tourists get their belongings loaded on a vehicle as they leave for Srinagar airport
Reuters
“The death toll is still being ascertained.”
One eyewitness to the shooting said: “I cannot say how many, but the militants came out of the forest near an open small meadow and started firing.”
Another witness speaking to India Today said: “The shooting occurred right in front of us. At first we thought it was just firecrackers, but when we heard others screaming we rushed out of there to save ourselves.”
A manhunt has been launched, with officers and soldiers searching for the assailants.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and said those responsible “will be brought to justice”.
Indian police officers stand guard in front of clock tower following a suspected militant attack near south Kashmir's scenic Pahalgam
Reuters
He wrote on X: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice... they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger.”
Donald Trump expressed his “full support” to India in a call with Modi, Delhi’s foreign ministry said.
He later wrote on Truth Social: “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.
“Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
Sir Keir Starmer said the attack was “utterly devastating” and said his thoughts were with “those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India”.
