Exclusive: Barak Valley Family Survives Pahalgam Terror Attack, Recounts Chilling Ordeal

Among the many tourists caught in the cowardly terrorist attack in Kashmir’s popular tourist destination, Pahalgam, on Tuesday (April 22) was a family from Barak Valley, who had reached the spot earlier in the day for a vacation. The family of three, traumatised but safe, shared their harrowing experience with Barak Bulletin after narrowly escaping what could have been a fatal end.

The attack took place at Baisaran Valley, a non-motorable destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district that is frequented by trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Several tourists were present when terrorists opened indiscriminate fire and allegedly verified the religion of the victims before shooting at close range.

The family, who requested anonymity, said they were near the site when the attack unfolded. “We heard gunshots in the distance. When we asked our guide, he said it might be hunters using pellet guns to scare animals. We didn’t know we were walking into a terrorist attack,” a family member recalled.

As they neared the scene, bullets started flying through the air indiscriminately. With others, the family hid behind trees and bushes in an attempt to avoid detection. However, their hiding spot was soon compromised. They were reportedly confronted by armed militants and asked to recite the Kalima — a Muslim declaration of faith — at gunpoint and quizzed on whether they chanted the name of Lord Ram.

“Growing up in a Muslim neighbourhood, we were familiar with the Kalima. We recited it, and that probably saved our lives,” said one member.

In a shocking account, they said another tourist who failed to recite the Kalima was shot dead on the spot. “There was blood everywhere. We’ve never seen anything like this in our lives and never thought we would,” they said with a voice shaking.

Using the cover of a nearby wall, the family managed to crawl down the valley to reach the road and eventually rushed to Srinagar in a vehicle they found.

“We are still trying to process what just happened. In our wildest dreams, we never imagined something like this,” they told Barak Bulletin.

A lesser-known group, Kashmir Resistance, has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security agencies have not confirmed the authenticity of the claim.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the country. Officials say combing operations are underway, though the number of attackers remains unconfirmed.