Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – April 23, 2025
India is in mourning following a deadly terrorist attack in the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where militants opened fire on a group of unarmed tourists in Baisaran Valley. The brutal assault, which occurred on April 22, claimed the lives of 28 people and injured more than 20 others, prompting nationwide outrage and grief.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the attack on Tuesday, laying wreaths at a temporary memorial and meeting with victims and their families. His visit came amid a heightened security presence in the region and marked the beginning of a government-led campaign to bring those responsible to justice.
Attack in the Heart of a Tourist Haven
The attack took place in Baisaran Valley, a lush, forested area located a short trek from Pahalgam town—a major destination in Kashmir’s tourism circuit. According to police reports, the terrorists, armed with automatic rifles and grenades, ambushed a group of tourists hiking in the valley around 3:15 p.m.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. “We heard loud gunshots, people screaming, and then saw blood everywhere,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a local guide who narrowly escaped the attack. “It was a massacre.”
The victims included Indian nationals from various states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Punjab, as well as three foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Several of the injured remain in critical condition at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences.
Amit Shah: “This Was an Attack on Humanity”
Amit Shah, accompanied by senior security officials and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, arrived in Pahalgam early Tuesday morning. After visiting the site, Shah met with injured survivors and their families at the hospital and chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar.
In a statement to the media, Shah called the incident “a cowardly act of terror meant to destabilize peace in Kashmir and disrupt India’s unity.”
“We will not let this act go unanswered,” Shah said. “Every life lost will be avenged. We will hunt down the perpetrators, dismantle their networks, and ensure this never happens again.”
Shah also emphasized that the government would enhance counterterrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Additional troops from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rashtriya Rifles have been deployed in sensitive zones, and surveillance is being ramped up across border routes and forest corridors.
Investigation and Initial Findings
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the probe. Preliminary reports suggest the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed militant outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Intelligence agencies believe the attackers infiltrated from South Kashmir and may have received logistical support from local operatives.
Weapons recovered from the scene, including AK-47 rifles, satellite phones, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), point to a high level of planning. Officials are analyzing mobile tower data and drone footage to track movements of the suspects.
According to sources, a joint operation between the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies is underway in the districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam. Multiple suspects have already been detained for interrogation.
National Response and Political Unity
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from all corners of the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and reiterated the government’s firm stance against terrorism.
In Parliament, both houses observed a moment of silence for the victims. Leaders across party lines—including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Sitaram Yechury—condemned the attack and voiced support for strong countermeasures.
“This is not the time for politics; this is a time for unity,” said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. “Terrorism must be defeated collectively.”
The tragedy has also united the public in grief. Candlelight vigils, prayer meetings, and protests have been held across the country, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. On social media, hashtags such as #PahalgamAttack and #StandWithKashmir trended as citizens expressed their condolences and support for the victims.
Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism and Local Economy
Tourism, a major livelihood for people in Pahalgam and surrounding areas, has been deeply affected. All tourist activities in Baisaran and nearby trekking routes have been suspended, and the administration has urged visitors to postpone non-essential travel to the region.
“We were just starting to recover after years of political unrest and the pandemic,” said Shabir Lone, a hotel owner in Pahalgam. “This attack has set us back again. Our hearts are broken—for the victims, and for Kashmir.”
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for families of those killed and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Special counselors and trauma specialists have also been deployed to assist families and witnesses.
Global Reaction
International leaders and organizations have condemned the attack and extended their support to India. The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia released statements denouncing the violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the incident “a reprehensible act of terrorism” and emphasized the need for global solidarity in the fight against extremism.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has briefed foreign embassies and consulates, particularly those of Nepal and the UAE, to coordinate assistance for affected foreign nationals and their families.
Looking Forward: A Nation’s Resolve
As India grapples with the horror of the Pahalgam attack, there is a shared sense of resolve among its people and leaders. The government has vowed not only to punish those responsible but also to strengthen safeguards for civilians and rebuild trust in the region.
“This tragedy will not define Kashmir,” said Amit Shah before departing. “The people of the Valley want peace. And we will stand by them, stronger than ever, until that peace is permanent.”
