Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the assault as a “heinous act” and vowed that those responsible would face justice. He returned early from an official trip abroad to meet with top security officials in response to the tragedy.

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Witnesses said the attackers emerged from nearby forests and opened fire with automatic weapons. Survivors reported that the gunmen appeared to spare women and targeted men specifically, asking some to recite the Muslim call to prayer before shooting.

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir called the attack “inhuman” and “an abomination,” highlighting its scale compared to other recent civilian-targeted violence.

Although no group has claimed responsibility, armed insurgents have been active in the region since 1989, demanding either independence or unification with Pakistan. Kashmir remains a highly sensitive and militarized area, with hundreds of thousands of Indian troops stationed there.

The attack comes amid efforts to promote Kashmir as a safe and scenic tourist destination. In 2024 alone, the region saw over 3.5 million tourists.

Among the victims were newlyweds and families on vacation. One of the deceased was a Navy officer on holiday with his wife. Survivors described the harrowing moments as the attackers moved through the meadow, shooting undisturbed for nearly 20 minutes.

Authorities have launched a wide-scale search operation, deploying large numbers of security personnel across the area. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting terrorism and maintaining order in the region.

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