The assailants, believed to be four in number, emerged from the surrounding pine forests and indiscriminately fired upon tourists gathered in the meadow, a popular destination often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland" of Kashmir. The area, accessible only by foot or horseback, posed significant challenges for immediate evacuation. Military helicopters were deployed to airlift the injured to hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag.
Among the deceased were two government officials: a 26-year-old Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau operative. The victims also included tourists from various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as two foreign nationals. The injured, numbering over 30, are receiving treatment in regional hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.
The TRF stated that the attack was a response to the settlement of over 85,000 non-locals in the region since the abrogation of Article 370, which they claim is an attempt to alter the demographic composition of the Muslim-majority area. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing insurgency, which has seen a decline in militant activities in recent years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who curtailed his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to assess the situation and was briefed by Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat. The government has launched a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.
The attack has drawn international condemnation. U.S. President JD Vance, who was on a state visit to India at the time, expressed his condolences and reaffirmed support for India's efforts to combat terrorism. Other global leaders, including President Donald Trump and various foreign ministers, have also denounced the violence.