New Delhi/Srinagar/IBNS: In one of the worst terror strikes that targeted  tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam amid the ongoing visit of US Vice-President JD Vance to India, gunmen killed at least 27 people and wounded many others after identifying them as non-Muslims on Tuesday, triggering a nationwide outrage and condemnation from all quarters, according to media reports.

While TV9 Network put the toll at 27, various media reports confirmed more than 25 deaths in the attack that prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rush to Srinagar after he wrapped up a high-level meeting in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Among the dead are two foreigners, said reports. 

Shah was joined by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Gunshots were heard in the upper meadows of Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley around 2:30 PM, which is accessible only on foot or on horseback.

The terrorists were apparently in camouflage, and it is believed to be a targeted attack.

The attackers reportedly asked about the religious identities of the victims before opening fire on them.

The terrorists reportedly opened fire on the tourists when they were horse riding in the area.

"Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Modi about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies," Shah said in a post on X earlier in the day.

According to India Today and NDTV, at least 26 people were killed after terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. Times Now said at least 24 died in the attack. 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will soon take over the case, said reports.

As per the latest updates, the tourist who was confirmed dead first in the terror attack is a resident of Karnataka's Shivamogga.

The victim has been identified as Manjunath and is 47 years old.

'They shot my husband identifying him as non-Muslim'

A survivor said the militants opened fire on them after asking about their religious identities. One of the women survivors was heard saying: "We were eating bhelpuri when they approached us." "They said my husband was not a Muslim and then shot at him," she said.

Another survivor could be seen in the video asking locals to help her husband. "Please, save my husband," she could be heard saying in the video.

The man, who was recording the video, could be seen assuring the woman that he will help her.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attack, assuring that those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable and it will get even stronger," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

In a telephonic conversation, PM Modi asked Union Minister Amit Shah to visit the attack site and take all suitable measures.

Pahalgam attracts a large number of tourists every year.

President Droupadi Murmu condemned the attack and called it a 'dastardly and inhuman act'.

"The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured," her office posted on X.

India Today news channel reported that The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Soon after the attack, Amit Shah called a meeting at his home in Delhi, which was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, media reports said.

Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.

Responding to the attack, Omar Abdullah said he was left shocked beyond disbelief.

"I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately. #Pahalgam," he posted on X.

The attack took place at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a spike in tourist footfalls.

The registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage is also ongoing.

The 38-day pilgrimage will begin on July 3.

The attack took place at a time when US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India, and Modi arrived in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit.