Terrorists opened fire on tourists at a famed meadow near Kashmir’s Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019, reports PTI.

The 26 dead included two foreigners and two locals, a high ranking official said without getting into details. The toll is still being ascertained.

The attack took place at Baisaran, a meadow accessible only by foot or ponies, where a group of tourists had gone visiting this morning, they said. Kashmir has drawn thousands of summer visitors as militant violence has eased in recent years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Pahalgam terror attack and asked him to take all suitable measures.

PM also asked the Union Home Minister to visit the site, reported PTI quoting government sources.

Shah said he has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, about the incident and held a meeting with the officials concerned via video conferencing after the terror attack.

"Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.

"Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies," Shah wrote on 'X'.

The terror attack came at a time when US Vice President J D Vance along with his family was on a four-day visit to the country. He was in Rajasthan on Tuesday.

A video of the attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and looking for their near and dear ones. No independent official verification was available.

Preliminary reports indicate that unidentified assailants targeted the tourists during a trekking expedition. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the attack occurred at approximately 2:30pm. The security has been beefed up in Pahalgam and forces have rushed to cordon off the area.

Security forces have been rushed to the area, and an operation is currently underway, reported PTI.

Eyewitnesses painted a chilling picture of gunfire breaking the calm of a regular Tuesday afternoon with scores of people enjoying their day out. Cries for help were heard as lifeless bodies lay motionless in pools of blood.

Some put the number of attackers at five.

"My husband was shot in the head while seven others were also injured in the attack," a woman survivor told PTI over phone.

The woman did not identify herself but pleaded for help in evacuating the injured to hospital.

As gunshots rang out, there was panic and tourists ran for cover but there was no place to hide in the wide, open space, said another woman tourist.

A woman said terrorists first asked the name before shooting down the victims. The tourists gathered at Baisaran were from several states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Among those killed was Karnataka businessman Manjunath Rao, who was from Shivamogga.

Authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured, the officials said, adding some of the wounded were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies.

A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital said 12 injured tourists were admitted there and the condition of all of them was stable.

A little earlier, security forces rushed to Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam tourist town after sounds of gunfire were heard, a senior police official said here.

The attackers were reportedly dressed in camouflage, suggesting that the incident was a deliberate and targeted assault. The area is approachable only on foot or horses, according to officials.

Kashmir leaders condemn terror attack

The Prime Minister offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of the one person whose death has been confirmed so far. All possible assistance will be provided, he stressed.

"Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger."

Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed deep shock and concern over the incident.

I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," Omar said in a X post.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," the LG said in a post on X.

He said he has spoken to the director general of police and other security officials, and that teams of the Army and police have been rushed to the area to launch search operations.

"Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the attack on innocent tourists, saying it is a blot on humanity.

He also said the country's national security is paramount and urged the central government to take corrective measures.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism.

"These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives have been lost. On behalf of the Congress party, my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured," the Congress president said in a post on X.

Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the People's Democratic Party, has sharply denounced the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed one and injured several. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," she wrote on X.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also denounced the attack as a highly condemnable and shameful act, and said the country stands united against terrorism.

"Targeting unarmed and innocent civilians is a crime against humanity. This is completely unacceptable. The whole country stands united against terrorism and strongly condemns it," she said in a post on X in Hindi.

"According to reports, many tourists have been killed in this attack. May God grant peace to the departed souls. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," she said.

People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the perpetrators of the attack are the worst enemies of Kashmiris.

"Condemn strongly the dastardly and cowardly attack in Pahalgam. For decades we have been identified with being great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all," he said in a post on X.

Lone said the tourism industry here has suffered a lot and those involved in the sector have begun to restart their lives after a long time.

"They had begun to dream. And here are the ugly villains to shatter it all. Make no mistake. These terror attacks are aimed at yet again disempowering us economically. Those who do this are the worst enemies of Kashmiris.

"They defile our history of hospitality, smearing our glorious past. And they are a curse on our present. They are enemies of our children of our young generation. We have to unitedly send a message that there is no tolerance for terror. Let us live our lives in peace and economic dignity. Please get out of our lives. These tourists are our revered guests," Lone said.

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. It also coincides with the ongoing nationwide registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra. The 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on July 3, following two different paths: the 48-kilometer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, yet more challenging, 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district.