In one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in years, terrorists opened fire at Baisaran near Pahalgam, killing 26 people- mostly tourists from various Indian states and abroad. The horrifying assault triggered a swift, high-level political response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately cut short his Saudi Arabia trip and chaired a security briefing at the airport upon arrival in Delhi. Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to J&K to assess the situation firsthand, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman canceled her U.S. and Peru visit.

Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge reached out to Shah and demanded justice for the victims. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based LeT, claimed responsibility. The attack unfolded amid peak tourist season at the scenic “mini Switzerland” of Kashmir, leaving the nation stunned and security forces on high alert.