Pahalgam terror attack
Pahalgam
On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack shocked India and the world when militants targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This massacre resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people, including 26 Indian tourists from various states, two locals, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE. Over 20 others were critically injured in this mass shooting carried out by four to six militants armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s.
Details of the Pahalgam Attack
The attack occurred around 2:50 PM in a popular tourist spot known for its natural beauty and accessibility by foot or pony. The militants, dressed in military-style uniforms, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd of tourists who had gathered after days of rain to enjoy the improved weather. Witnesses reported that the attackers demanded victims recite the Islamic kalma and checked for circumcision to identify and spare Muslims, thus deliberately targeting non-Muslims.
Eyewitness videos captured scenes of panic, with injured victims pleading for help and some lying motionless on the ground. Locals played a crucial role in rescuing the wounded, using ponies and improvised stretchers to evacuate victims to medical facilities. Some families were sheltered by local residents during the attack, highlighting the community’s solidarity amid the tragedy.
Perpetrators and Motive
The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group cited opposition to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and the alleged demographic changes due to the settlement of over 85,000 non-Kashmiris as motives for the attack.
Indian intelligence agencies identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the mastermind behind the massacre. At least two of the attackers are believed to be foreign nationals, underscoring the cross-border militant involvement.
National and International Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India immediately after the attack, emphasizing that those responsible would be brought to justice and reaffirming India's resolve to combat terrorism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar to coordinate the security response, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her official overseas visits.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference called for a Kashmir bandh (shutdown) on April 23 to protest the violence and express unity against terrorism. Indian airlines increased flights from Srinagar to facilitate the evacuation of tourists from the region.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched an investigation, and security forces conducted extensive search operations, including helicopter deployments, to track down the perpetrators.
Broader Context and Implications
This attack is the deadliest targeting Indian civilians in Kashmir since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and has shattered the Indian government’s narrative of stability in the region. It highlights ongoing security challenges despite stringent counterterrorism measures and heavy militarization in Jammu and Kashmir.
India holds Pakistan responsible for harboring and supporting militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which are behind such attacks. The incident follows recent provocative statements by Pakistan’s military leadership reaffirming Kashmir as Pakistan’s "jugular vein," further heightening tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif denied any involvement in the attack, rejecting accusations and condemning terrorism in all forms. However, Indian officials remain skeptical given the evidence of foreign militants’ participation.
The 2025 Pahalgam terror attack stands as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of militancy in Kashmir and the fragile security situation in the region. It has triggered a nationwide outcry, diplomatic tensions, and a renewed focus on counterterrorism efforts by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The attack not only caused tragic loss of life but also aimed to undermine the peace narrative in Kashmir, challenging India’s efforts to integrate the region and maintain stability.
This comprehensive account is based on verified information from multiple credible sources including official investigations, eyewitness reports, and government statements as of April 2025.