Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | April 23, 2025 —
A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 has left the nation in mourning, with 28 people confirmed dead and more than 20 others injured, including several foreign nationals. The attack, which took place in the serene Baisaran Valley, was one of the deadliest in recent years, targeting a group of tourists trekking in the area. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the attack, paid his respects to the victims, and vowed strong action against those responsible.
The Attack
The assault occurred in the early afternoon when tourists were trekking through Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque views and tranquil environment. According to eyewitness accounts, a group of militants ambushed the tourists from nearby forested areas and opened fire without warning. Panic ensued as tourists attempted to flee, but many were unable to escape due to the steep terrain and narrow trails.
The dead include citizens from various Indian states, including Punjab, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, as well as three foreign nationals—two from Nepal and one from the United Arab Emirates. Authorities confirmed that at least 20 others sustained injuries, with several in critical condition. The victims were airlifted to nearby hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag for treatment.
Initial investigations indicate that the terrorists used forest routes to infiltrate the region and carried out the attack with high precision. A group calling itself the Resistance Front (TRF), which has links to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. TRF has previously been active in targeting civilians, security forces, and tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amit Shah’s Visit: Tributes and Strong Condemnation
On April 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and other senior officials from the Indian Army, CRPF, and state police forces. Shah visited the site of the attack, where he paid tribute to the victims, offering floral wreaths and observing a moment of silence. The Home Minister also met with survivors and their families at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, where several of the injured were being treated.
“This was a senseless and cowardly attack on innocent civilians,” Shah stated. “The perpetrators of this heinous act will face the full wrath of the law. We will not tolerate such violence and will ensure that Kashmir remains a safe place for all who come to visit.”
Shah also emphasized that the government was committed to strengthening security in the region to prevent such attacks in the future. He assured the public that there would be no letup in counterterrorism operations and that forces would work tirelessly to apprehend those behind the attack.
Immediate Security Measures
In response to the attack, security forces launched a massive manhunt to track down the militants responsible. Intelligence sources reported that the militants had planned the attack meticulously, using intelligence on tourist movements to target civilian groups. The attack has raised questions about the level of security in the region, especially in tourist areas that have seen an uptick in visitors over the past few months.
Amit Shah chaired an emergency security review meeting in Srinagar with top Army commanders, paramilitary forces, and local law enforcement officials. According to sources, the meeting focused on bolstering security for tourists and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent future incidents. Shah assured that additional paramilitary units would be deployed to strengthen security in the valley and that tourism areas would be provided with round-the-clock surveillance.
As part of the immediate response, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel were deployed to conduct extensive search operations in the surrounding forests of Pahalgam and nearby districts such as Anantnag and Pulwama. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case, and forensic experts are analyzing recovered weapons and devices to gather further evidence.
National and International Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that the government would spare no effort in bringing the culprits to justice. He also emphasized that such attacks would not deter India’s resolve in the fight against terrorism.
“We stand together in grief, but our strength will only grow in the face of this tragedy,” Modi said in a tweet. “Terrorists will not succeed in dividing us. Our determination to fight terrorism is unwavering.”
Leaders from opposition parties, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also condemned the attack. Kharge called it a “cowardly assault” and demanded stronger action to ensure the safety of civilians in conflict zones. Kejriwal expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and urged the government to prioritize the safety of tourists visiting the region.
The attack has also elicited strong reactions from international leaders. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the assault on civilians and reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to fighting terrorism. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement expressing support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism, while the governments of the United Kingdom and the European Union also expressed their condolences.
The Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
The attack has struck a heavy blow to the local economy of Pahalgam, a town that heavily relies on tourism. The picturesque valley, which has been a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the natural beauty of Kashmir, had seen a resurgence in tourism after years of political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the attack has resulted in a significant drop in bookings, and many visitors have canceled their trips to the region.
Hotel owners, tour operators, and local businesses are concerned about the long-term impact of the attack on the tourism industry. Nazir Ahmad, a local hotel owner in Pahalgam, expressed his frustration: “This was supposed to be our year of recovery. Now, people are scared, and tourism is on the decline again.”
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced compensation for the families of the victims, offering ₹10 lakh for each death and ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured. Trauma counseling and mental health support have been made available to the survivors and their families to help them cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath of the attack.
The Road Ahead
While investigations are ongoing and security operations intensify, there is growing concern about the persistence of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the decline in large-scale violence in recent years, attacks like the one in Pahalgam serve as stark reminders of the challenges the region faces in achieving long-term peace and stability.
Amit Shah, in his statement, made it clear that the government would continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism in the region. “The attackers may think they can intimidate us, but they will fail. The fight against terror will continue until every last terrorist is eradicated,” he affirmed.
