At least 26 tourists shot dead in Kashmir ‘terror attack’ after gunmen opened fire at beauty spot as manhunt launched

AT least 26 tourists have been shot dead in Indian-controlled Kashmir after gunmen opened fire at a beauty spot.

Cops described the "terror attack" as being near the resort town of Pahalgam, nicknamed Mini Switzerland, and blamed it on militants fighting Indian rule.

Two senior officers said at least four gunmen, who they described as militants, fired at dozens of terrified tourists from close range.

The cops said that at least three dozen others were injured - many of whom are in serious condition.

Officials tragically collected at least 26 bodies in Baisaran meadow, some 5km from the disputed regions resort town of Pahalgam.

One witness, who saw the horror unfold, said: "I cannot say how many, but the militants came out of the forest near an open small meadow and started firing."

The man, who provides ponies for tourists, said the gunfire was "like a storm" and added that the gunmen "very clearly spared women and kept shooting at men".

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

A manhunt has been launched, with cops and soldiers searching for the attackers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed the shooting a "heinous act" and vowed the attackers "will be brought to justice" after cutting his visit to Saudi Arabia short to return to India.

The terrifying gunfire came as US Vice President JD Vance arrived for his four-day visit to India.

Calling the attack "devastating," he added on social media: "Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack."

US President Donald Trump also noted the "deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir".

He said: "The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.

"We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.

"Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies."

India's home minister, Amit Shah, wrote on social media: "We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences."

The meadow in Pahalgam is a hugely popular tourist destination, with its picturesque, snow-capped mountains and pine forests dotted across the landscape.

It is visited by hundreds of holidaymakers every day as Kashmir has become a major domestic tourist destination, especially for its Himalayan foothills.

The millions of visitors also see a different side of the region, with security checkpoints seen everywhere, as well as armoured vehicles while soldiers patrol the streets.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir - but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled part have been fighting New Delhi's rule since 1989.

Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, as well as government forces, have been killed in the conflict.