On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a major terror attack struck the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow, a scenic area often referred to as “mini Switzerland” due to its lush green meadows and popularity among visitors.
Overview of the Incident
The attack is being described as the most severe targeting civilians in the region in recent years, shattering a period of relative calm and increased tourism in Kashmir.
Timeline and Location
- Time of Attack: Around 3 PM IST, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
- Location: Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. The site is accessible only by foot or horseback, complicating rescue and security operations.
Casualties and Injuries
- Death Toll: Reports vary, with some sources indicating at least 5 tourists feared dead, while others suggest the toll could be as high as 20 or even 26, including two foreigners. The exact number is still being verified as the situation develops.
- Injuries: At least 10–20 tourists were injured, with several in critical condition. Many of the injured were quickly transported to local hospitals, some with the help of local residents using ponies and emergency helicopters.
Victims
- The victims include tourists from various Indian states, notably Rajasthan and Karnataka, as confirmed by the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- Eyewitness accounts describe panic and chaos, with one woman stating her husband was shot in the head and several others wounded at close range.
Modus Operandi
- Attackers, suspected to be militants, emerged from dense pine forests and opened fire on tourists at close range.
- The assailants were reportedly dressed in fatigues, and the attack appeared to be well-planned, targeting unarmed civilians during the peak tourism season.
Immediate Response
- Security Forces: Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police rushed to the site, launching a massive cordon and search operation to track down the perpetrators.
- Medical Evacuation: Injured tourists were evacuated using ponies and helicopters due to the difficult terrain.
- Political Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack, vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Political and Social Reactions
- National Condemnation: Leaders across the political spectrum, including PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and regional leaders like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, strongly condemned the attack and called for swift justice.
- Security Review: Home Minister Amit Shah left for Srinagar to oversee an urgent security review and coordinate the response with local agencies and the army.
- Public Sentiment: The attack has sparked outrage and grief nationwide, with many expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Context and Background
- Tourism in Kashmir: The attack comes at a time when Kashmir was witnessing a revival in tourism, with thousands of visitors expected for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
- Previous Attacks: While attacks on tourists have become rare in recent years, the region has a history of militancy. The last major attack on tourists occurred in June 2024, when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims was targeted, resulting in multiple deaths.
- Security Situation: Since the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019, the region has seen an increased military presence and a general decline in militant attacks, making this incident particularly alarming.
Investigation and Ongoing Operations
- No Claim of Responsibility: As of now, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- NIA Involvement: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to take over the investigation, with senior officials dispatched to the region.
- Search Operations: Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting intensive search operations to apprehend the attackers.
Key Quotes and Reactions
“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!”
— Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough.”
— J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
“Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning.”
— Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti
Aftermath and Security Implications
- The attack has led to a temporary evacuation of tourists from Pahalgam, with the usually bustling area now deserted due to safety concerns.
- The incident has raised questions about security arrangements and the need for heightened vigilance, especially ahead of major events like the Amarnath Yatra.
Summary Table: Key Facts of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | April 22, 2025 |
| Location | Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Attackers | Suspected militants, reportedly 2-3, dressed in fatigues |
| Victims | Tourists from various states, including Rajasthan and Karnataka; at least 2 foreigners |
| Death Toll | At least 5–26 feared dead (numbers being verified) |
| Injured | 10–20 (several in critical condition) |
| Method | Opened fire at close range on tourists in remote meadow |
| Security Response | Army, CRPF, police rushed to site; area cordoned off; search operations ongoing |
| Political Response | Nationwide condemnation; PM, HM, and regional leaders vow justice |
| Investigation | NIA to take over probe |
| Context | First major attack on tourists in 2025; comes during peak tourism season |
Conclusion
The Pahalgam terror attack represents a grave setback to the sense of security that had been gradually returning to Kashmir. The targeting of unarmed tourists is seen as an attempt to disrupt peace and undermine the region’s tourism-driven economy. The government has pledged a strong response, and security forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators. The incident has united political leaders and the public in condemnation and in the resolve to combat terrorism in the region.
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