Tourists shot at in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows recount horror

Anantnag, Apr 22: Vinu, a 62-year-old tourist from Bhagwati Nagar, Gujarat, lies in pain in a ward at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag.

He is recovering after undergoing surgery for a bullet wound to his elbow, sustained during a horrifying terror attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam.

What was meant to be a peaceful vacation turned into a nightmare.

“We were a group of 20 who had reached Pahalgam just yesterday,” Vinu said, his voice trembling. “After lunch today, we decided to visit the Baisaran meadows.”

Often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Kashmir for its lush green pastures and breathtaking views, Baisaran is located about 6 km from Circuit Road in Pahalgam.

With no direct road access, tourists reach the area by trekking or hiring ponies.

The site offers various adventure sports like zorbing and zip lining.

“We had just bought our entry tickets and were about to enter the meadow when we suddenly heard gunfire,” Vinu recalled. “Bullets rained down. People screamed and scattered, trying to take cover.”

Caught in the chaos, Vinu was struck by a bullet.

“There was a sharp pain in my elbow and then blood. People were running in all directions, trying to save themselves,” he said.

Local pony handlers and guides rushed to help the tourists despite the ongoing gunfire.

“They helped evacuate us from the meadow and took us down to a nearby hospital on ponies,” Vinu recounted.

He was later shifted to GMC Anantnag for specialised treatment.

“I do not know what happened to the rest of our group,” he said, his eyes filled with tears. “There was so much confusion and fear.”

Six other tourists with firearm injuries are also being treated at GMC Anantnag.

Among them is Dr Parvesh Verma, a 35-year-old ENT surgeon from Mumbai, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen, forearm, and neck.

His wife, an ophthalmologist, accompanied him to the hospital, her clothes soaked in blood.

“He was taken straight into surgery,” she said, visibly shaken. “It was a bloodbath up there. That beautiful meadow became a site of horror.”

Other victims include Manik Patel and Rino Pandey from Gujarat; S Balachandru from Maharashtra; Abhijavan Rao from Karnataka; and Santru from Tamil Nadu.

All are receiving medical care.

Two female tourists - Shashi Kumari Nayak from Karnataka and Simran from Nagpur suffered wrist and leg fractures after falling while running for safety.

Outside the hospital, scenes of grief and concern played out as locals gathered.

Volunteers from Anantnag and surrounding areas arrived to offer support.

“We came as soon as we heard,” said a young volunteer. “We are ready to donate blood or do whatever is needed.”