Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir — April 23, 2025
The serene landscape of Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s most loved tourist destinations, was shattered on April 22 when heavily armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley. The unprovoked attack claimed 28 lives and injured more than 20 others, triggering shock and outrage across the nation. In a swift response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site on Tuesday, paying tribute to the victims and pledging a forceful and comprehensive response to terrorism.
The victims included Indian citizens from states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Delhi, as well as three foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE. The youngest among those killed was a five-year-old girl who had been traveling with her family. Survivors described the horror as sudden and chaotic, with the attackers ambushing unarmed civilians enjoying their afternoon hike.
The assault was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed militant outfit believed to be a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group released a statement online, taking responsibility and justifying the attack as a strike against “Indian occupation.” Security analysts have called this a strategic move to gain international media attention by targeting civilians, especially tourists, in a high-visibility area.
Amit Shah, who arrived in the Union Territory just hours after the incident, traveled straight to Baisaran Valley under heavy security. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army officials, and senior police personnel. At the site, Shah laid floral wreaths in memory of the victims and observed a moment of silence. Later, he met with survivors at a Srinagar hospital, offering his condolences and words of reassurance.
“This was a barbaric act meant to shake our unity,” Shah told reporters. “But it has only strengthened our resolve. I assure the people of India that those behind this attack—whether they are on this side of the border or across—will be hunted down. Justice will be delivered.”
Shah also chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar, reviewing the incident in detail. He was briefed by top officials from the Indian Army, CRPF, intelligence agencies, and Jammu and Kashmir Police. According to sources, the attackers are believed to have infiltrated through South Kashmir, using forest routes to avoid detection. Several persons of interest are being questioned, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the case.
The government is now planning to deploy more central forces in tourist hotspots across the Kashmir Valley. Officials confirmed that drone surveillance, facial recognition systems, and emergency response units will soon be integrated into key zones like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack in a statement posted on social media. “The attack in Pahalgam is a grim reminder of the threats we continue to face from terrorism,” he said. “We mourn the loss of precious lives and stand united in our fight against those who seek to harm us.”
Reactions poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it “a crime against humanity,” while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged for increased coordination between states and the Centre on intelligence sharing. Opposition leaders, while supporting the government’s immediate actions, have also demanded a review of recent lapses in border and internal security.
International condemnation followed swiftly. The United States, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union expressed solidarity with India and condemned the attack on innocent civilians. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the incident “deeply disturbing” and urged global cooperation against terrorism.
On the ground, the mood in Pahalgam is somber. Most tourist facilities have shut down temporarily. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has suspended tourist entry into Baisaran and surrounding trekking trails. Locals, many of whom rely on tourism for their livelihood, expressed grief and fear. “We had just started to recover after COVID and past lockdowns,” said hotel owner Younis Dar. “Now it feels like we’re going back to square one.”
The families of the victims are being provided assistance by the local government. Compensation of ₹10 lakh for the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured has been announced by the Union Territory administration. The central government has also promised to cover the medical expenses of those being treated in hospitals across Srinagar and Anantnag.
Mental health experts and trauma counselors have been deployed to help survivors and their families cope with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy. According to hospital authorities, several victims are in stable condition but will require long-term psychological support.
Security experts have raised concerns over the broader implications of the attack. “Terror outfits are shifting tactics—moving from targeting security forces to attacking soft targets like tourists,” said former RAW officer Vikram Sood. “This is aimed at economic disruption, psychological impact, and global attention.”
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly drafting a revised counterterrorism strategy for the Kashmir Valley. While details remain confidential, officials hinted at increased coordination between military and civilian intelligence wings, community engagement programs to deter radicalization, and border security upgrades.
Amit Shah, while concluding his visit, stated that this tragedy would not weaken the country’s will. “Terrorists may try to strike fear into our hearts, but they will find only unity in response,” he said.
As India mourns the lives lost in Pahalgam, the nation also finds itself at a turning point. With renewed urgency, the government and security forces are being called to act not just with strength, but with foresight, to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
