(TJV NEWS)  In one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent memory, at least 26 tourists — including two foreigners from UAE and Nepal and two local residents — were killed in a brutal terrorist ambush on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow, a picturesque spot located roughly five kilometers from Pahalgam town.

🚨ISLAMIC TERROR ATTACK🚨

President Trump is reacting to the brutal attack that left 28 dead in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Islamic terrorists targeted Hindu tourists, including newlyweds.

The assailants checked victims’ IDs and forced them to reveal their religion by removing… pic.twitter.com/xIGyKbVtoZ

— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) April 22, 2025

According to officials, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists, catching them off-guard as they trekked or picnicked in the scenic area. Authorities confirmed that this was the worst civilian terror attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

My heart breaks 💔 #PahalgamTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/ryPIpgK1P1

— Sᴜᴢᴀɴɴᴇ Bᴇʀɴᴇʀᴛ (@suzannebernert) April 22, 2025

Videos Emerge Showing Chaos Moments Before and After the Attack

Shocking visuals have since surfaced on social media. One video, posted just moments before the attack, shows a man strolling through the meadow when sudden gunshots ring out, quickly followed by screams and panic.

Another video captures the same man running for safety, visibly shaken, declaring that a terrorist attack had occurred and that he had narrowly escaped death.

“A terrorist attack has taken place here… we escaped narrowly… God will protect us,” the man says in the clip, now widely circulated on X.

In an interview with India Today, the survivor recalled the terrifying moment:

“We thought it was firecrackers when we heard two to three rounds. When we heard people screaming, we ran for our lives. Such an attack has never happened there… We never believed it could happen in such a peaceful atmosphere.”

A third video, captured by a local, showed tourists running in fear, with screams echoing across the meadow as chaos unfolded in real time.

These are visuals of local Kashmiris in #Pahalgam holding a candle march and condemning the deadly and cowardly terror attack on Tourists.

Tight slap to Pakistan Sponsored Jihadis by Kashmiris 👏🏻

India stands against terror.
pic.twitter.com/SVosRSl2B6

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) April 22, 2025

National Response: PM Modi, Sitharaman Return Early

The attack triggered a national emergency response, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia. Modi had been scheduled to return on Wednesday night but left early Tuesday after bilateral talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He skipped the official state dinner as a mark of mourning and urgency.

Anand Ranganathan was absolutely right about Kashmir.

1.4 million tourists pour into the valley, spending billions and the money goes Into the hands of the terrorists.

Kashmir needs an Israel-like solution.#PahalgamTerrorAttack#Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/rH0mZdVJKl

— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) April 22, 2025

Simultaneously, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was in the U.S. for key economic summits including the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings and the G20 Finance Ministers’ gathering, also canceled her remaining schedule, including a visit to Peru.

“Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the USA-Peru. She is taking the earliest available flight back to India to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time,” the Finance Ministry said in a post on X.

A suspected terror attack has targeted a group of tourists in #Pahalgam, South #Kashmir.

According to a female eyewitness, the attackers reportedly asked the tourists about their religion & opened fire after learning one was a Hindu. pic.twitter.com/IOAl6YoUWi

— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) April 22, 2025

 Condemnation and International Support

In a post on X, Sitharaman expressed her grief and condemnation, calling the incident heartbreaking and vowing justice:

“Heartbreaking news from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. I condemn the terrorist act. Condolences to all affected families and friends of the deceased. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

Israel Extends Support to India

Reacting to the tragedy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences to Prime Minister Modi and expressed solidarity:

“My dear friend @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism,” the Israeli PM’s Office posted on X.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the attack:

“Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror.”

Massive Security Response Underway

Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar after arriving Tuesday evening. Search and combing operations were launched in the Baisaran-Pahalgam area involving the Indian Army and J&K Police. Shah affirmed that those responsible “will not be spared.”

Vid 1: Hamas attacked Israeli citizens during a Music festival on 7th October 23.

Vid 2: Terrorists attacked with the same Hamas style on Tourists enjoying their vacations.

The modus operandi of Jihadis are always the same.#Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/K8zi2HhGMK

— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) April 23, 2025

Meanwhile, Delhi Police was placed on high alert, with increased surveillance at key tourist locations and public places in the capital.

Public Mourning and Protest

Across the Valley and beyond, the country is mourning. Candlelight vigils were held in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Kupwara, and Jammu, with citizens and political leaders expressing outrage and solidarity with the victims’ families.