Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | April 23, 2025
India was left in shock following a brutal terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, killing 28 people and injuring more than 20. The attack has sparked national outrage and prompted a high-level visit from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured that those responsible would face swift and decisive justice.
The Attack
According to officials, the ambush took place in the early afternoon when two groups of tourists were trekking in Baisaran Valley, a scenic location often referred to as “Mini Switzerland” for its lush meadows and panoramic views. Eyewitnesses reported sudden gunfire from nearby tree lines, which sent tourists and guides running in panic.
Among the victims were Indian nationals from states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Kerala, as well as three foreign tourists—two from Nepal and one from the United Arab Emirates. Many of the injured, including children, were airlifted to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar. Several remain in critical condition.
Security forces responded quickly, but the attackers had already fled by the time reinforcements arrived. Officials say the operation was well-planned, and the militants used forest trails to escape.
Terror Group Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based terror outfit with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence sources believe that the terrorists had infiltrated into the region via South Kashmir and used local guides for logistical support.
Recovered items from the scene included assault rifles, grenades, and satellite communication devices, indicating a high level of coordination and premeditation. Officials believe the attackers aimed to disrupt the growing tourism in the Valley and provoke fear among civilians.
Amit Shah’s Visit and Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday morning and was immediately briefed by security and intelligence officials. He then flew to Pahalgam to visit the site of the attack, where he laid a wreath at a temporary memorial and observed a moment of silence for the victims.
Shah later visited the injured at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), where he spoke with survivors and their families. He assured them of full support from the central government, both medically and financially.
“This was a deliberate act of terror aimed at civilians, including women and children. It was an attack not just on people, but on peace itself,” Shah said during a press briefing. “We will act swiftly, decisively, and without compromise. Our response will match the gravity of this crime.”
High-Level Security Meeting
Following his hospital visit, Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar with top Army commanders, CRPF officers, police leadership, and intelligence agencies. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the case, and a multi-agency operation is underway to identify and apprehend those involved.
Officials say drones, satellite imagery, and mobile tracking are being used to locate the attackers. Cordon-and-search operations have been intensified across Anantnag, Pulwama, and Shopian districts. Several suspects are currently under interrogation.
Sources also confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering expanding the counterinsurgency grid in tourist-sensitive regions and introducing biometric visitor tracking systems at key checkpoints.
Nationwide Reaction
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across political lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief and outrage, stating on social media, “This cowardly attack will not break our resolve. We mourn the lives lost and stand united against terrorism.”
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Arvind Kejriwal, also condemned the attack and extended their support to the victims’ families. Parliament observed a moment of silence, and a rare joint statement was issued calling for national unity in the face of terror.
The public response has been equally intense. Vigils and protests have been held across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. On social media, hashtags such as #PahalgamAttack, #JusticeForVictims, and #StandWithKashmir trended for hours, as citizens demanded justice and stronger counterterrorism measures.
Local Impact
The attack has shaken the local community in Pahalgam, a region that heavily depends on tourism. Within hours of the incident, hotel bookings were canceled, and many tourists left the valley. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has suspended all tourism activities in and around Baisaran Valley until further notice.
“This attack has set us back by years,” said Nazir Lone, a hotelier in Pahalgam. “Tourists were finally returning after a long period of uncertainty. Now, everything is in doubt again.”
To support affected families, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced ex-gratia payments of ₹10 lakh to the kin of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. The central government has also directed that trauma counseling services be made available in hospitals and community centers.
International Response
The global community has condemned the attack in strong terms. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United Nations all issued statements denouncing the targeting of civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it “a heinous attack on the innocent” and urged all nations to cooperate in the global fight against terrorism.
The Ministry of External Affairs has reached out to the governments of Nepal and the UAE to offer assistance in repatriating the remains of the foreign victims and supporting their families.
The Way Forward
The Pahalgam attack has emerged as a grim reminder of the enduring threat of terrorism in the region. While security forces ramp up their operations, many believe long-term peace in Kashmir will require a combination of military strength, intelligence reform, community engagement, and economic development.
As Amit Shah left the valley on Tuesday evening, he reiterated the government’s resolve: “Terrorists may think they can shake our spirit, but they will fail. India stands united. Justice will be served—not just for those we lost in Pahalgam, but for every citizen who believes in peace and freedom.”
