In a tragic terror strike that shook the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, over 28 tourists lost their lives in what is being described as the most deadly terrorist attack in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama incident. Among those narrowly escaping the assault were three judges of the Kerala High Court—Justice Anil K. Narendran, Justice G. Girish, and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar—who were on vacation in the region with their families.
The attack occurred around 1:30 pm on Tuesday at the Baisaran meadow, a picturesque spot located approximately 7 kilometers from the main Pahalgam town, widely known for its serene views and snow-covered peaks.
The group of vacationing judges was reportedly in the region but escaped unharmed. Their presence in Srinagar was confirmed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In an official statement, the CM said, “Kerala High Court judges, Justices Anil K Narendran, P G Ajithkumar and G Girish, as well as MLAs M Mukesh, K P A Majeed, T Siddique and K Ansalan were in Srinagar, but safe.” The judges are expected to return to Kerala by Wednesday.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attack was carried out by six armed militants disguised in military uniforms. The assailants, reportedly foreign nationals, engaged in what appears to be a targeted religious assault, asking victims to reveal their names and recite Islamic verses before shooting them at close range.
Despite heightened security protocols in the area—multiple checkpoints and armed patrols—the militants managed to infiltrate the site and carry out the massacre, leaving the entire region in shock.
“The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice,” stated the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps in an overnight communication. Security forces have launched a wide-scale search operation in the surrounding areas to apprehend the perpetrators.
This attack marks a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the valley, even in well-guarded tourist zones. The methodical nature of the assault and its religious targeting has intensified concerns about militant strategies aiming to disrupt communal harmony and tourism in the region.
