Dozens Killed as Gunmen Massacre Tourists in Kashmir Beauty Spot

Gunmen kill dozens of tourists in Kashmir's most beautiful spot. Srinagar, Kashmir – Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists visiting one of the valley's most popular destinations, killing dozens and injuring scores more, in a devastating attack that has rocked Kashmir's picturesque region. One of the most deadly attacks in the region in recent years, the assault occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to officials, the massacre occurred near the scenic hill station of Gulmarg, a renowned tourist haven known for its lush meadows and snow-capped mountains. Witnesses said that a group of armed men carrying automatic rifles and dressed in camouflage ambushed a group of tourist buses traveling along a forested road to the main resort area. Farooq Ahmad, a tour guide who was accompanying a group of visitors from Mumbai, stated, "They came out of the woods, firing indiscriminately." The crowd began to scream and flee in all directions. It was chaos—blood everywhere. Within seconds, I saw at least 10 people fall. Numerous Deaths At least 38 people have been confirmed dead, according to preliminary reports from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and more than 50 others have been seriously injured. Although authorities are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and injured, the majority of the victims are thought to be domestic tourists from various Indian states. Following the attack, security personnel were dispatched, and an extensive search for the perpetrators has begun. Special forces are combing the densely forested area surrounding Gulmarg using drones and helicopters to conduct aerial surveillance of the sealed-off region. In a press conference held in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated, "This is a barbaric act aimed at creating terror and disrupting peace." “The government will not permit such cowardly acts to destroy the fabric of our society.” The attackers will be brought to justice. No Immediate Claim of Responsibility
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the massacre as of Wednesday morning. However, the method of attack and the area in which it occurred have raised suspicions of the involvement of militant outfits that have operated in the region for decades.
Since the late 1980s, Kashmir has seen waves of violence, with separatist insurgents frequently clashing with Indian security forces. Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan. Although recent years had seen a relative decline in major attacks, this incident marks a chilling reminder of the volatility that still plagues the region.
The tourism sector is devastated. The attack occurs at a time when thousands of tourists were flooding the valley during the spring and summer months, causing a tourism boom in Kashmir. In 2024, the region welcomed over two million tourists, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy that had suffered heavily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing political instability.
Local business owners are devastated. Ghulam Nabi, who owns a hotel in Gulmarg, described the situation as "a nightmare." “We were just beginning to recover. People were coming back, smiling, enjoying our land. Who will now follow this horror? The Indian Ministry of Tourism has suspended all travel to Kashmir until further notice, and several states have issued advisories warning citizens to avoid the area.
International Reaction
There has been widespread international condemnation of the massacre. In a statement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed his deep concern and condolences to the victims' families. The attack was also condemned by India's neighbors Bangladesh and Nepal, who called for a united effort to combat terrorism. The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to the heightened threat of violence.
A Region in Mourning
Back in Gulmarg, the once-bustling streets are now eerily quiet. Black flags hang from buildings. Ambulances wail through deserted lanes. At the local hospital, overwhelmed doctors work tirelessly to treat the wounded.
Dr. said, "The pain is beyond words." Nazeer Lone, head of surgery at Srinagar Medical College. “Most of the victims were young people, here to enjoy life, to take photos, to breathe fresh air. And now, some of them are gone forever.”
As India reels from the tragedy, the nation grieves, prays, and wonders when peace will finally return to the valley once known as paradise on earth.