Pahalgam terror attack: 10 minutes of horror at Baisaran Meadow leave lasting scars for survivors, locals | Timeline of Massacre
PTC Web Desk: A horrifying terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed the lives of 26 persons — 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator, during what should have been a peaceful afternoon in Kashmir's scenic valley. Investigations by security agencies reveal the grim timeline of the massacre, which unfolded in just 10 minutes on Tuesday.
According to sources, the group of assailants—numbering between five and six—emerged suddenly from a dense pine forest surrounding the meadow. Armed with rifles and possibly wearing body cameras, they moved quickly toward three specific areas where large groups of tourists had gathered.
The first gunshots were reported around 1.50 pm. Witness accounts and video evidence indicate the tourists were caught completely off guard. Children were seen playing on trampolines while parents snacked on local delicacies and admired the landscape—unaware that terror was moments away.
Survivors have reported chilling details: the attackers asked victims about their religion and reportedly subjected them to a test involving Islamic verses before opening fire. Many victims were killed by headshots, indicating a brutal and targeted execution style. The attackers then vanished into the same forest they had emerged from, leaving behind chaos and devastation.
Security forces were alerted around 2.30 pm—roughly 30 minutes post-attack. Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain from Pahalgam to Baisaran (a journey of over an hour on foot or pony), emergency services arrived only by 3 pm. Several witnesses believe that quicker medical response could have saved some of the injured.
This devastating assault occurred during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was abroad in Saudi Arabia at the time, immediately cut short his visit and returned to address the crisis. In a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter), he vowed that the perpetrators would face justice.
Preliminary investigations point toward Pakistan’s involvement, consistent with past cross-border terrorism tactics. As a result, India has taken significant diplomatic measures in response: Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani defence advisers from their High Commission and reduction of diplomatic staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1
Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited the site on Wednesday, reviewing the situation and meeting with security officials.
- With inputs from agencies
