On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. This assault, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and left over 20 injured.
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📍 Location & Timing
The attack took place around 2:50 PM IST in the Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination often referred to as “mini-Switzerland” due to its scenic beauty. The area was crowded with visitors enjoying improved weather after days of rain.
🔫 The Attack
Eyewitnesses reported that four to six militants, dressed in military-style uniforms, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire indiscriminately on the crowd. The assailants used M4 carbines and AK-47s, targeting tourists and locals alike. Survivors recounted that the attackers asked victims to recite Islamic verses and checked for circumcision, sparing Muslims while targeting non-Muslims. One survivor recalled an assailant saying she was being spared to “narrate the horrors” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
🕊️ Casualties
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group stated that the assault was in response to alleged demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley, particularly the settlement of over 85,000 outsiders.
🏛️ Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia, and convened emergency meetings to address the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar to assess the security scenario and coordinate the response. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated an investigation, releasing sketches of three of the terrorists involved. Security forces launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.
🌍 International Reactions
The international community expressed strong condemnation of the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended their condolences and reaffirmed support for India in combating terrorism.
🧳 Impact on Tourism
The attack has severely impacted the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Pahalgam, which had been experiencing a resurgence in tourist activity. The incident led to mass panic, flight cancellations, and a rapid exodus of tourists. Airlines added flights and curbed price surges to accommodate the heightened demand for departures.
🕯️ Public Sentiment
The attack has sparked widespread outrage and grief across India. Protests and candlelight vigils have been held in various parts of the country to honor the victims and demand justice. Supreme Court judges and lawyers paid tribute to the victims, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience in the face of terrorism.
The Pahalgam terror attack stands as a grim reminder of the persistent threats posed by terrorism and the importance of vigilance, unity, and international cooperation in combating such heinous acts.