New Delhi: The terror attack that shook Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday is being described as one of the most ruthless in recent memory, as fresh details from the investigation paint a chilling picture of how the massacre unfolded in just ten minutes. According to sources in the security establishment, five to six armed terrorists executed the attack with precision, leaving 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator.
The attackers are believed to have emerged from a pine forest adjacent to the popular tourist site and split into three groups, each targeting a different location where crowds had gathered. Carrying assault rifles, the terrorists reportedly wore body cameras to record the gruesome act. The first shots were fired around 1:50 pm, catching the visitors completely off guard. At the time, families were enjoying the scenic views, with children playing on trampolines and parents savoring local snacks, when the gunfire erupted.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors reveal a horrifying sequence: the terrorists approached the victims, questioned them about their religion, and allegedly conducted an Islamic verse test before executing them at point-blank range—many by headshots. Following the attack, the assailants fled back into the dense forest from where they had come. Local police received the alert around 2:30 pm, nearly 30 minutes after the assault, by which time the terrorists had vanished into the wilderness.
The terrain leading to Baisaran meadow is treacherous and not accessible by vehicles. The only way in is through a steep trek or pony ride that takes at least an hour. This delayed emergency response, and according to some survivors, many of the wounded could have been saved if help had reached sooner.
The attack coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s official visit to India, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia and return to New Delhi. In a statement on social media, PM Modi condemned the act, declaring that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared.”
Indian intelligence agencies strongly suspect that the attack was backed by Pakistan, consistent with past instances of cross-border terrorism. In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, announced a series of decisive measures. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and the termination of travel privileges under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. Additionally, India has declared Pakistan’s defence advisers as Persona Non Grata and has ordered both nations to reduce the strength of their high commissions from 55 to 30 by May 1.
The brutal nature of the Pahalgam terror attack has ignited nationwide outrage and reaffirmed India’s resolve to respond with strength and unity in the face of terrorism.
