Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

On April 22, 2025, the serene town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by a devastating terrorist attack that claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including 24 Indian tourists, two locals, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE. Over 20 others were injured in the assault, making it the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in years.

Attack Details

The attack occurred around 2:50 PM in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist spot accessible by foot or pony. Militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, opened fire on a group of tourists using M4 carbines and AK-47s. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, wearing camouflage outfits, checked victims' names and demanded they recite religious verses to identify and spare Muslims, ensuring they targeted non-Muslims. The assailants shot many victims at close range, and some survivors were rescued by locals using improvised stretchers and ponies 

Casualties and Victims

The victims hailed from various Indian states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Among the deceased were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. The foreign nationals killed were a Nepalese citizen and a tourist from the United Arab Emirates 

Motive and Responsibility

The TRF claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to the settlement of over 85,000 non-Kashmiris in the region, which they allege is driving a demographic change. The group accused the tourists of being undercover agents linked to Indian security forces 

Political and International Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, emphasizing the nation's strong resolve to combat terrorism. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh labeled it an "act of cowardice," and Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar to assess the situation and coordinate the security response 

International leaders also expressed solidarity with India. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the violence and affirmed support against terrorism. Other global leaders, including those from the UK, France, Israel, and Nepal, extended condolences and condemned the attack 

Investigation and Security Measures

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated an investigation into the attack and released sketches of three militants involved, identifying one as Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander. Security forces launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, and a helpline was established to assist affected tourists 

Impact on Tourism

The attack has disrupted the region's growing tourism industry, prompting an evacuation of visitors and raising concerns about the safety of tourists in the area. The incident has further escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, whose relations have been strained since India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019 

The Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in Jammu and Kashmir and the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.