In a devastating act of terrorism, militants attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and injuring more than 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for this heinous act.
The Attack
Around 2:30 PM, four to six militants dressed in military-style uniforms emerged from the dense forests surrounding the Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination known as “mini Switzerland.” They opened fire indiscriminately on tourists who were enjoying the scenic beauty, taking pony rides, or picnicking. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants initially posed as security personnel, asking for identification before launching the attack.
Survivors recounted that the attackers targeted non-Muslim tourists, asking them to recite Islamic declarations and checking for circumcision to identify their religion. Those who failed these tests were shot at close range. One survivor recalled an assailant telling a woman she was spared to “narrate the horrors” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP News+2Wikipedia+2People.com+2
Casualties and Response
The victims included 24 Indian tourists from various states, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Among the deceased were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. Emergency services swiftly responded, with military helicopters evacuating the injured to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar. A joint operation by local police and the Indian Army was launched to apprehend the perpetrators. Wikipedia
Government and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India. He assured the nation that those responsible would be brought to justice. Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar to assess the situation and coordinate the security response. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also curtailed her official visit abroad to return to India.
The attack drew widespread international condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their condolences and solidarity with India. The United Nations and the European Union also denounced the violence, emphasizing that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances. People.com+1The New Indian Express+1Wikipedia
Context and Implications
This attack is the deadliest targeting civilians in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. It underscores the persistent threat of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, despite efforts by the Indian government to promote tourism and portray normalcy in the region. The TRF stated that the attack was in opposition to alleged demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley due to the settlement of outsiders.
The incident has sparked protests across Indian-administered Kashmir, with some demonstrations blaming Pakistan for supporting such militant groups. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens and visitors. Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2AP News+2
As investigations continue, security forces remain on high alert, and efforts are underway to restore peace and security in the region.
