A vacation meant to be a dream escape turned into a scene of horror for several families from Tripura visiting Pahalgam. The popular meadow destination in Jammu and Kashmir was the site of a brutal terror attack on Tuesday that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, mostly tourists. Among the survivors were families from Agartala and Udaipur who had traveled to the region seeking respite in nature’s serenity. They now return home with memories clouded by grief and trauma.
The attack took place at Baisaran, a picturesque meadow located a short distance from Pahalgam town. Known for its panoramic views and peaceful environment, the location attracts thousands of tourists every year. On Tuesday morning, a group of travelers, including several from Tripura, had trekked up to the site. As they took in the beauty of the surroundings, the sound of automatic gunfire shattered the calm. The terrorists, allegedly linked to The Resistance Front, opened fire on unarmed civilians without warning.
Soma Debbarma from Agartala recounted the moment the peace turned into panic. She said her family had just finished taking photographs when the gunfire began. Within seconds, people started running, screaming, and falling. She grabbed her son and ran into the woods. Her voice still trembled as she described the gunshots echoing through the trees, drowning out cries for help.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured that the government would extend all possible assistance to those affected. He described the attack as a deliberate act to destabilize peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. He also added that such barbaric acts would only strengthen India’s resolve to fight terror and stand united against those who seek to divide.
Security officials believe the attackers targeted tourists to spread fear and provoke communal tension. Eyewitnesses say the assailants appeared to have detailed knowledge of the area and timed their ambush precisely when the tourists were most vulnerable. A survivor from Udaipur, Rajesh Tripura, said they had no time to think. He saw people drop to the ground, unsure if they were hiding or shot. He found shelter behind a large boulder and waited in silence for nearly two hours before help arrived.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun its probe at the site. Forensic experts and security teams have cordoned off the area and are collecting evidence to identify the attackers. Though The Resistance Front has claimed responsibility, the Union Government is yet to confirm the group’s involvement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the incident and promised that the perpetrators will not be spared. He called for an emergency meeting shortly after returning from his overseas trip.
Back in Tripura, emotions are running high. The state government has set up a helpline for families whose members were visiting Pahalgam. Several local organizations have come forward to offer psychological support to survivors and their relatives. In schools across Agartala and nearby districts, teachers observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims. Many parents, shaken by the incident, spoke of canceling planned vacations to the hills.
Medical teams in Srinagar and Anantnag are attending to the injured, several of whom remain critical. Doctors say that most victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others were hurt in the ensuing stampede. Some children are receiving trauma counseling, having witnessed violence that no one—let alone a child—should ever see.
As the nation grieves, families who made that journey from Tripura to paradise now carry the scars of a nightmare. They left home with suitcases full of hope and return with memories tainted by bloodshed. In their voices, one hears both sorrow and strength. As Soma Debbarma said, “We came to see heaven. Instead, we saw hell. But we lived to tell the story, and we won’t forget.”
The pain of the tragedy has also sparked political responses within Tripura. Leaders across party lines have condemned the attack and called for enhanced security measures to protect civilians in conflict-prone zones. Opposition MLAs in the Tripura Legislative Assembly demanded a detailed statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs and urged the Centre to ensure the safety of all Indian tourists traveling to Jammu and Kashmir. They emphasized the need for clear communication from security agencies about high-risk zones and suggested a temporary restriction on tourist activities in volatile regions.
The families who lost loved ones in the attack are now making arrangements to bring back the bodies. The Tripura government has coordinated with officials in Jammu and Kashmir to expedite the process. State authorities have also announced compensation for the next of kin of the deceased. Social welfare teams have been dispatched to visit bereaved families and offer both logistical and emotional support. In Agartala, tearful reunions at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport painted a picture of loss that words failed to capture. Community members stood in solidarity, holding placards and candles in tribute.
Among the deceased was 11-year-old Nikhil Roy, a student of Holy Cross School in Agartala, who had traveled with his parents and elder sister. Only his sister survived. The school has declared a week of mourning, and classmates wrote heartfelt messages in his memory. Teachers and parents remembered Nikhil as a curious, cheerful child who had once written an essay titled “Why I Want to See Kashmir.”
Nationally, the attack has reignited debates around the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Security experts have pointed to intelligence failures and lapses in ground-level patrolling in the region. Questions are being raised about how militants managed to reach a tourist spot like Baisaran, which, although remote, is frequented during peak seasons. Calls for stricter monitoring of such soft-target zones have grown louder.
Meanwhile, survivors are trying to piece their lives back together. Some have shared their stories with the media in hopes that the horrors they witnessed will not go unnoticed or be forgotten. They have appealed for justice—not only for those who lost their lives but for all Indian citizens who deserve to travel without fear. As the investigation continues, the echo of that day still rings in their minds, not just as a memory, but as a call for change.