In photos: Terror attack disrupts peace in Kashmir’s Pahalgam

At least 26 people - mostly tourists - were killed when a group of terrorists opened fire in the Baisaran meadows, located in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon (April 22).

Several others sustained injuries, many of them critically, raising fears that the death toll may rise. The Resistance Front, believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A massive search operation is underway to track down the attackers. The Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police have cordoned off the region, which is accessible only by foot or horseback. Military helicopters were also deployed to evacuate the wounded from the remote area.

On Wednesday morning (April 23), Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting at the Delhi airport with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, shortly after returning from Saudi Arabia, to review the security situation.

Distressing visuals from the scene show panicked survivors pleading for help, desperately trying to save their loved ones.

In the aftermath, Delhi Police heightened security across the capital, tightening surveillance around tourist hubs and border checkpoints. Traffic restrictions were also imposed in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure.