In one of the most horrific terror incidents in recent years, the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic deaths of 28 civilians and left more than 20 others injured. The assault took place in Baisaran, a popular tourist meadow in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF) carried out this brutal attack, targeting unarmed tourists and sparking nationwide grief and global condemnation.
What Happened During the Pahalgam Terror Attack?
The Pahalgam terror attack occurred around 2:30 PM, when a group of heavily armed militants dressed in military-style uniforms infiltrated Baisaran. Tourists, many of whom were visiting from other Indian states and abroad, were enjoying the serene landscape when gunfire erupted. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers initially posed as security personnel, conducting what appeared to be an ID check before launching a sudden and indiscriminate assault.
The attackers reportedly used religious profiling to target specific individuals, forcing some to recite Islamic prayers and checking for circumcision. Those who could not comply were shot dead on the spot. Survivors described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with many running for cover as bullets rained down in the otherwise peaceful tourist spot.
Victims of the Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 28 people, including 24 Indian nationals, 2 locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and 2 foreign tourists from Nepal and the UAE. Among the deceased was 26-year-old Lt. Vinay Narwal, an Indian Navy officer from Haryana, who was visiting on his honeymoon. His wife survived but was left traumatized.
An Intelligence Bureau officer was also among those killed. At least 20 other people suffered injuries, many of them critical, and were rushed to nearby hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar for treatment.
Who Claimed Responsibility?
The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. In a chilling statement, TRF said the attack was aimed at resisting the alleged demographic transformation of the Kashmir Valley due to the settlement of non-local populations.
Security experts suggest this marks a strategic shift by TRF, which has now begun targeting soft, high-visibility civilian zones to instill fear and attract attention. The deliberate attack on tourists — often seen as symbols of peace and normalcy in the region — indicates an intent to disrupt efforts to revive Kashmir’s tourism economy.
National Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, immediately cut short his trip and returned to India upon hearing of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a statement, he condemned the violence, saying, “India will not forget this bloodshed. Justice will be swift and unforgiving.”
Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency meeting with top security officials and ordered a high-alert status across Jammu and Kashmir. Additional troops have been deployed, and a massive manhunt has been launched to track down the perpetrators.
International Condemnation
The Pahalgam terror attack drew strong condemnation from global leaders. The United States expressed solidarity with India and reaffirmed its commitment to fight global terrorism. Russia, the UAE, and Italy also extended condolences and condemned the massacre in the strongest terms.
Security and Tourism Impact
The attack has sent shockwaves through the tourism sector in Kashmir. Pahalgam, known for its lush meadows, scenic beauty, and proximity to the Amarnath Yatra route, had been witnessing a resurgence in tourist arrivals after years of unrest. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, travel advisories were issued by multiple nations, and bookings were canceled en masse.
Local business owners and residents expressed fear and uncertainty about the future. “We were just starting to rebuild,” said a hotel manager in Pahalgam. “Now, everything feels shattered again.”
Security agencies are conducting extensive search operations in the forests surrounding Pahalgam. Drones, sniffer dogs, and elite units from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been deployed as part of a joint crackdown.
The government is also expected to reassess security protocols in tourist zones and improve surveillance infrastructure across sensitive regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
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