- The assault, carried out by suspected militants, marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years. Gunmen, reportedly disguised in military fatigues, opened fire indiscriminately around 2:30 PM on a group of tourists enjoying the picturesque valley, known for its pine forests and as a gateway to the Amarnath Yatra.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack struck the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, claiming the lives of at least 26 civilians, predominantly tourists. The assault, carried out by suspected militants, marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years. Gunmen, reportedly disguised in military fatigues, opened fire indiscriminately around 2:30 PM on a group of tourists enjoying the picturesque valley, known for its pine forests and as a gateway to the Amarnath Yatra. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as bullets rained down, injuring several others, with at least 20 reported wounded, some critically.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, describing it as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” though he refrained from confirming the exact toll pending official verification. Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled it a “heinous terror attack” and assured that those responsible would face justice, while ordering Union Home Minister Amit Shah to oversee the response. Shah is en route to Srinagar for an urgent security review. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility, though no independent confirmation has been established.
Security forces swiftly launched a cordon-and-search operation, deploying army, CRPF, and local police to hunt the assailants. Helicopters and local ponies aided in evacuating the injured to hospitals. Among the deceased are tourists from Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, including a Navy officer and foreign visitors, highlighting the attack’s broad impact. Protests erupted in Srinagar and Jammu, with locals and political leaders demanding stronger action against terrorism.
The incident, occurring amid a resurgence of violence in the region, raises concerns about the security of tourist hubs, especially with the Amarnath Yatra approaching. Indian authorities have long accused Pakistan of sponsoring militancy, a charge Pakistan denies, calling it a freedom struggle. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope and motives behind this tragic event.
Prime Minister strongly condemns the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, today.”Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. They will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
