On the afternoon of April 22, 2025, seven militants armed with assault rifles stormed the scenic Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists, dressed in military-style fatigues, opened fire indiscriminately on groups of tourists, many of whom had come to enjoy the lush surroundings of the valley.
Witnesses describe a horrific scene—tourists running for cover, cries for help, and chaos. Militants reportedly demanded religious identification before executing victims. Survivors revealed that Muslims were spared while non-Muslims were targeted. One attacker told a survivor, “Go tell this to Modi.”
Among the 26 killed were Indian tourists from various states and one Nepali national. The deceased also included a young Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau agent. Over 20 others sustained injuries, many in critical condition.
The Resistance Front (TRF), affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, claimed responsibility. The group stated opposition to the "settlement of non-Kashmiris," alleging that demographic shifts justified their actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, promising swift justice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “cowardly act” and vowed retaliatory measures. Indian forces have since launched an intensive manhunt in the region.
Global leaders denounced the attack, urging strong action against terrorism. The UN Secretary-General called for accountability. Meanwhile, the incident has paralyzed local tourism, with mass cancellations and economic loss to the region’s fragile economy.
This tragedy is a brutal reminder of the region’s fragility. As security forces step up operations, the country mourns yet another loss of innocent lives.
