Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the death toll is still being ascertained. "This attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he said on X

The incident occurred at around 3 PM when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place which is often dubbed as 'mini Switzerland' because of its long lush green meadows

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah following a terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and asked him to take all suitable steps to deal with the situation