A wave of grief and shock has swept across India following an unprecedented attack on tourists in Kashmir. The tragedy has left locals outraged and travel enthusiasts stunned. Eyewitnesses remain traumatized, and many tourists currently in Kashmir are rushing to leave the region amid growing fears for their safety. Several travelers have already canceled planned trips to the area.
On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam, in India-administered Kashmir, prompting widespread condemnation from global leaders. The attack left at least 26 people dead. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India.
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also decided to end her official tour to the United States prematurely following the attack. She expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that “there are no words to express this grief.” Sitharaman had been on an 11-day trip to the U.S. and Peru.
Tourists who had come to experience the scenic beauty of Kashmir—often referred to as “paradise on earth”—instead found themselves caught in a horrifying act of terror. Eyewitnesses described the chaos that unfolded. One tourist, speaking anonymously, recalled seeing two people being shot, prompting mass panic and people fleeing in all directions. He said he managed to help three individuals reach safety.
Gopal Rupchand, a tourist from Nagpur who was visiting with his family, recounted his terrifying experience: “We didn’t get to see much. As soon as we heard gunfire, we started running for our lives.” Fear continues to grip many other tourists in the region, with most now trying to leave as quickly as possible.
In Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, locals held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday in memory of those killed. Calling the attack cowardly and brutal, they stated, “These were our guests—there can be no justification for this act.” Among the dead were honeymooning couples and innocent tourists who had come solely to enjoy their vacation.
The outrage has sparked protests across the region, with people taking to the streets to denounce the attack. Some protesters were heard chanting anti-Pakistan slogans, while others demanded the resignation of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah.
In response to the violence, all businesses and educational institutions across Kashmir have been shut down, severely affecting public transportation in the region.
Meanwhile, investigations into the incident have begun. A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already arrived in Srinagar, with more units expected to follow. Senior national security officials are also set to visit Pahalgam to assess the situation firsthand.