A tragic attack in the beautiful town of Pahalgam—often called the "Switzerland of India"—has left the nation in shock after 26 people were killed. Among the victims were an Indian naval officer on his honeymoon, a local tour guide, and a businessman vacationing with his family.
On Tuesday afternoon, gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists at Baisaran meadow, just five kilometers from Pahalgam. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as visitors ran for cover amid the gunfire. Many became separated from their families, and some were injured in the panic.
One of the victims, Vinay Narwal, a naval officer, lost his life after confronting an attacker. His wife, Himanshi, shared the heartbreak in a video that has since gone viral, saying, “He was the best man,” as she mourned at his funeral, where his coffin was draped in the Indian flag.
Reports indicate that some victims may have been targeted because of their religion, although authorities have not confirmed this. Tragically, a local Muslim man named Syed Hussain Shah was also killed while trying to protect tourists, leaving his family devastated.
Asavari Jagdale recounted how her father was shot after being unable to recite an Islamic verse when asked by the attackers. Her uncle, who was standing next to him, was also killed.
Pallavi, whose husband Manjunath Rao was killed, shared a chilling moment when one attacker told her, "I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi this," as she begged for her life.
The attack has left families across India heartbroken. In Maharashtra, three cousins—Atul Mone, Sanjay Lele, and Hemant Joshi—lost their lives while on vacation together. A grieving family member said, “We’re in shock.”
In response to the attack, businesses, schools, and markets throughout Kashmir closed in protest. Locals fear that tourism, which is vital for the region’s economy, will take a big hit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned early from a foreign trip to hold emergency security meetings. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh promised a strong response, stating, “Those behind this will hear our answer loud and clear.”
While India has not officially pinpointed blame, there is a history of stating such attacks come from militant groups allegedly backed by Pakistan, which denies these claims. Experts warn this could worsen tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Back in Vinay Narwal’s village, his grandfather, Hawa Singh Narwal, expressed deep sorrow and anger: “I lost my grandson today. Tomorrow, it could be someone else’s. This must stop,” he said.
As a manhunt continues to find those responsible, many families are left to cope with the devastating impact of this tragedy, which has forever changed their lives. The echoes of gunfire serve as a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in the region.