Pahalgam, Apr 23 (V7N) — A deadly gunmen attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, has left 26 tourists dead, shaking the entire nation and casting a deep shadow of fear and sorrow over the region.

Tourists who came to experience the natural beauty of Kashmir were instead met with terror and chaos as gunmen opened fire without warning. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as "hellish." One survivor said, “I saw two people being shot at. Panic spread instantly. I managed to evacuate three people.”

Among the victims were newlyweds and families, turning what was supposed to be a joyful trip into a tragedy. Gopal Roopchand from Nagpur, who was visiting with his family, said, “We just started running when we heard gunshots. It was terrifying.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India immediately following the attack. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was on an official tour in the United States and Peru, also decided to return early, expressing that “there are no words to express the grief.”

World leaders have strongly condemned the attack, calling it barbaric and cowardly. Vigils were held in Baramulla district, where locals lit candles in memory of the slain tourists. Protesters took to the streets in Kashmir, chanting slogans against the attackers and demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation. Many protestors blamed Pakistan, shouting anti-Pakistan slogans during demonstrations.

As panic grips the region, tourists are fleeing Kashmir, and thousands have cancelled their planned trips. Hotels and businesses that rely on tourism are reporting mass cancellations.

All educational institutions, shops, and public transport services across Kashmir have been shut down in protest and mourning.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a full-scale investigation. A team has already reached Srinagar, and more units, along with top national security officials, are set to visit Pahalgam in the coming days.

This unprecedented attack on peaceful visitors has not only devastated families but also struck a blow to Kashmir’s already fragile tourism sector and left the nation grappling with grief, anger, and urgent questions about security in conflict-prone areas.

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