Pahalgam Attack: Haunting video of Indian Army consoling terrified victims surfaces, ‘Won’t do anything, here to protect you’

At least 26 people were shot dead and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. According to eyewitness accounts, four militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, a remote meadow in the region, at 3 pm. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.

This is the first attack on tourists in Kashmir this year. The last such incident occurred in May 2024, also in Pahalgam, where two tourists were injured in a militant assault. Amid the horror, a video of the Indian Army consoling terrified survivors at the site where the attack took place has surfaced on the Internet and is sending chills down the spine. 

The video opens to show a man telling the Indian Army personnel that the militants opened fire from ten different directions. As soldiers attempt to gather the frightened tourists to safety, some survivors can be seen screaming and backing away, mistaking the soldiers for militants. The Indian Army keeps reassuring victims and guides them to sit together in a safe spot for protection.

One particularly heart-wrenching moment shows a woman crying inconsolably, pleading with the soldiers to leave her children alone. 

“Are baitho baitho, ham log fauj hain. Aapki safety ke lie aaye hain. Baitho Baitho [Sit down, sit down, we are the Indian Army. We are here for your safety],” one army personnel can be heard saying in the video.

The same woman is later heard saying that militants shot her husband dead during the attack.

Trigger Warning: The below video contains descriptions of violence, trauma, and distressing scenes that may be upsetting to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.

A preliminary investigation into the attack has revealed that four terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow using American-made M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles. The authorities have so far recovered 50 to 70 spent bullet casings from the site. Based on eyewitness and victim accounts, two of the assailants have reportedly been identified. The central government is considering handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation.