Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | April 23, 2025 —
India remains in shock following the deadly terror attack in Baisaran Valley, near the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, where 28 civilians lost their lives and over 20 were injured after a group of heavily armed militants opened fire on unarmed tourists. The brazen assault, which occurred on April 22, has drawn nationwide condemnation and led to an immediate high-level response from the central government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning to visit the site of the attack, meet with survivors, and chair an emergency security review. Describing the attack as a “cowardly and inhuman act,” Shah vowed that those responsible would face “the full force of Indian justice.”
The Attack: What Happened
According to local officials, the attack took place around 3:10 p.m. as multiple groups of tourists were trekking through Baisaran Valley, a scenic location known for its pine forests and panoramic mountain views. The militants, reportedly disguised as hikers, emerged from forest cover and opened indiscriminate fire on the crowd, targeting civilians including children, women, and elderly travelers.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of confusion and horror. “We thought someone had set off fireworks,” said Rahul Mehra, a survivor from Delhi. “Then we saw people falling, bleeding. It was chaos.”
The dead include residents from several Indian states—Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal—along with three foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE. At least eight of the injured remain in critical condition in hospitals across Anantnag and Srinagar.
Amit Shah’s Visit: Condolence and Commitment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site under tight security on Tuesday. At a temporary memorial erected near the scene, he laid a floral wreath and observed a minute’s silence for the victims. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior security officials from the Army and paramilitary forces.
Later, Shah visited Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, where he met with survivors and spoke to families of the victims. He assured them of complete support from the central government, both in terms of compensation and medical aid.
“This was not just an attack on a group of tourists—it was an attack on peace, humanity, and Kashmir’s promise of harmony,” Shah said in a press briefing. “We will ensure that those behind this act of terror are brought to justice swiftly and without mercy.”
High-Level Security Review
After visiting the victims, Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with top officials of the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies. The focus of the meeting was on operational responses and intelligence coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Initial reports suggest that the attack was carried out by operatives of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terrorist organization with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attackers are believed to have infiltrated from South Kashmir using forest routes and received logistical support from local sympathizers.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the case. Officials have recovered weapons, communication devices, and surveillance footage that are now being analyzed. Search operations have been intensified in Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama, with several suspects already in custody.
According to intelligence sources, the attack was designed to disrupt tourism in the Valley and reignite fear just as Kashmir’s economy was beginning to recover.
Political and Public Response
The incident has triggered strong political reactions across party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the attack “an act of pure evil” and assured the nation that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.
Opposition leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims. Both houses of Parliament observed a moment of silence, and several state assemblies passed resolutions denouncing terrorism.
Across the country, candlelight vigils and prayer meetings were held in memory of the victims. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of grief and anger, as hashtags like #PahalgamAttack, #JusticeForVictims, and #KashmirStandsUnited trended nationwide.
Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
The attack has dealt a severe blow to the tourism-dependent economy of Pahalgam. Tour operators and hotel owners reported mass cancellations within hours of the news breaking. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has suspended all treks and sightseeing tours in Baisaran and surrounding areas.
“We were just starting to see normalcy after years of uncertainty,” said Faheem Ahmad, a hotelier in Pahalgam. “This tragedy has taken us back. There is fear everywhere.”
In response, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Special trauma care and mental health services have also been initiated for affected families.
International Condemnation
Governments and international organizations around the world have condemned the attack. The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union issued statements denouncing the violence and extending support to India. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called it “a heinous act against innocent civilians” and emphasized the need for global unity in fighting terrorism.
The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with the embassies of Nepal and the UAE to facilitate the return of the deceased foreign nationals and assist their families.
Moving Forward
The Pahalgam terror attack has once again placed the spotlight on Kashmir’s fragile security environment. While the region has seen a decline in large-scale violence in recent years, incidents like this serve as grim reminders of the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism.
In closing his remarks, Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s determination to restore peace in the Valley. “We will not allow the enemies of India to destabilize our society or divide us,” he said. “This pain will not go in vain—this country stands united, and our resolve is stronger than ever.”
