On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the serene town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by a brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one foreign tourist from Nepal. The assault occurred in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, known for its lush meadows and panoramic views.
The Attack
At approximately 2:50 PM IST, a group of militants ambushed a gathering of tourists in Baisaran Valley. Armed with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic. Eyewitnesses reported that the militants demanded to know the religious affiliations of their victims before shooting them. Some survivors were forced to recite Islamic verses, with those unable to comply being executed on the spot. Tragically, a local Kashmiri Shia Muslim, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, attempted to protect the tourists by confronting one of the attackers but was killed during the struggle .
Casualties and Victims
The victims hailed from various parts of India, including Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Among the deceased were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. Additionally, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir and two foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates lost their lives in the attack .
Perpetrators and Motive
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The TRF cited opposition to demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley as their motive, alleging that the presence of non-local settlers threatened the region’s identity .
Government Response
In the wake of the attack, the Indian government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence and pledged swift action against those responsible. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated an investigation, and security forces have launched a manhunt for the militants involved. Authorities have released sketches of three suspects and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack .
International Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation. Leaders from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and several others, have expressed their outrage over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families. The United Nations Secretary-General also condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances .
Conclusion
The tragedy in Pahalgam serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Kashmir Valley. While the region is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, incidents like this underscore the fragile security situation and the need for sustained efforts to achieve lasting peace. As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the hope remains that such acts of violence will not deter the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the people of India.