Pahalgam, Kashmir | April 22, 2025 — A serene tourist haven turned into a scene of unimaginable horror as a deadly terrorist attack claimed the lives of 28 people and left over 20 injured in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, the assault was carried out by four to six heavily armed militants believed to be associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a
n affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attackers reportedly emerged from a nearby forest and opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists enjoying the scenic beauty of the valley, often referred to as “mini-Switzerland.”
Victims and Casualties
The victims include 24 Indian nationals from various states, two local residents of Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign tourists—one from Nepal and one from the United Arab Emirates. Medical teams rushed to the site, and the injured were airlifted to Srinagar for urgent treatment.
Claim of Responsibility
TRF claimed responsibility for the attack through an online statement, citing opposition to demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The group alleged that the tourists were linked to Indian security agencies, though no such connections have been verified by authorities.
National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, immediately cut his trip short and returned to India. In a strongly worded statement, he condemned the attack and convened an emergency security meeting in Delhi.
Home Minister Amit Shah also assured the nation that a thorough investigation is underway and vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. “We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.
Global Condemnation
The international community responded with swift condemnation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in India at the time, expressed solidarity and support. Leaders from across the globe, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump, denounced the violence and extended their condolences to the victims’ families.
Security Clampdown
In response, Indian security forces launched a large-scale counter-terror operation in the region, detaining over 100 individuals suspected of aiding the attackers. Additional troops have been deployed in the valley, and tourist operations in the area have been temporarily suspended.
A Valley in Mourning
This incident is being described as the deadliest civilian-targeted terror attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, and calls for enhanced security and stability in the region are growing louder.
The tragedy has once again cast a spotlight on the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and raised questions about the safety of civilians and visitors in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
