In a tragic turn of events, the serene town of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a horrific terrorist attack on April 22, 2025. Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuring over 20 others. This incident stands as one of the most severe attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.
The Attack
The assault occurred in the picturesque Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination known for its lush greenery and panoramic views. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, dressed in camouflage, emerged from the surrounding forests and indiscriminately fired upon the unsuspecting tourists. The suddenness and brutality of the attack left the victims with little chance to react or seek shelter.
Casualties
Among the 26 fatalities were 25 Indian nationals from various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The victims encompassed a diverse group, from a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer on his honeymoon to a 68-year-old former banker from Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, a tourist from Nepal lost their life in the attack. Over 20 individuals sustained injuries, some of whom remain in critical condition.
Perpetrators and Motive
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. In their statement, TRF cited opposition to the Indian government's policies in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the issuance of domicile certificates to non-locals, as the motive behind the assault. This move by the government has been perceived by some groups as an attempt to alter the region's demographic composition.
Government Response
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. In a statement, PM Modi assured the nation that those responsible for this heinous act would be brought to justice. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens. In response to the attack, India has taken several diplomatic measures, including summoning the Pakistani envoy and suspending certain bilateral engagements.
Impact on the Region
The attack has cast a shadow over the region's tourism industry, which had been showing signs of recovery in recent years. Following the incident, there has been a significant exodus of tourists from Kashmir, leading to economic repercussions for local businesses reliant on tourism. Security has been heightened across the region, with increased patrols and checkpoints to prevent further incidents.