Terror Strikes Kashmir Tourists, 28 killed in Pahalgam
On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 28 tourists. Learn about the tragedy, its impact, and global reactions.
p>On April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, turned into a scene of horror. A group of militants, later identified as members of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, opened fire on tourists enjoying the picturesque valley. The attack claimed at least 28 lives, including 24 Indian tourists, two locals, and two foreigners from Nepal and the UAE, making it the deadliest assault in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
A Calculated Assault on Innocence
The attack occurred around 2:50 PM in Baisaran, a remote meadow accessible only by foot or pony, often called "mini Switzerland" for its stunning landscapes. Eyewitnesses reported that four to six gunmen, dressed in military fatigues, emerged from nearby forests and began firing indiscriminately. Survivors recounted chilling details: the attackers posed as security personnel, asking victims their names and demanding they recite Islamic verses before targeting non-Muslims. One survivor, Pallavi from Karnataka, shared that her husband, Manjunath Rao, was killed in front of her, with the gunman sparing her to "tell Modi" about the attack.
The brutality was deliberate, aimed at disrupting Kashmir’s growing tourism industry, which saw 3.5 million visitors in 2024. The TRF claimed the attack was in response to alleged "demographic changes" in the Kashmir Valley, citing the settlement of non-locals as a provocation.
Immediate Response and Global Condemnation
Indian security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, launching a joint operation with the Army, local police, and CRPF to track the assailants. Helicopters evacuated the injured, while locals used ponies to transport victims to safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to hold a high-level meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Modi vowed that the perpetrators "will not be spared," emphasizing India’s resolve to combat terrorism.
World leaders expressed solidarity. U.S. President Donald Trump called the attack "deeply disturbing," pledging support. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it as a "vile" act, affirming that "Europe will stand with India." Sri Lanka, Australia, Germany, and Russia also condemned the violence, with Australian PM Anthony Albanese stating, "There is no justification for this violence."
Political Reactions and Security Measures
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack an "abomination," noting its unprecedented scale against civilians. He described the perpetrators as "animals, inhuman, and worthy of contempt." Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar to review security, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) began probing the attack, identifying TRF commander Saifullah Kasuri as a key plotter.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with Shah and Abdullah, demanding justice for the victims’ families. Congress leader Shama Mohammed took a hardline stance, posting on X that "Rawalpindi should be flattened." Meanwhile, airlines like Air India and IndiGo announced additional flights from Srinagar and waived cancellation fees until April 30 to assist stranded tourists.
Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism and Future Concerns
The attack has cast a shadow over Pahalgam, a key destination for trekkers and pilgrims, especially with the Amarnath Yatra approaching in July. The region’s tourism boom, fueled by improved security post the 2019 Article 370 abrogation, now faces uncertainty. Experts suggest the attack reflects Pakistan’s desperation to destabilize Kashmir’s progress, timed with high-profile visits like U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s trip to India.
Survivors’ accounts of targeted killings based on faith have sparked fears of communal tensions. Local voices, like Gulzar Ahmad Wani of the Pahalgam Taxi Association, lamented the attack as a blow to their livelihood, saying, "It’s as if our family members were killed."
A Nation Mourns, A Resolve Strengthens
The Pahalgam attack is a grim reminder of the challenges India faces in securing peace in Kashmir. As the nation mourns, stories of loss, like that of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Navy officer killed days after his wedding, underscore the human toll. India’s response, both in security operations and diplomatic outreach, will shape the region’s future.
The government has promised swift justice, but the scars of Baisaran will linger. For now, Pahalgam, once a symbol of Kashmir’s beauty, stands as a testament to resilience in the face of terror.
