BY Navin Upadhyay
The serene meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, turned into a scene of horror as terrorists launched a brutal attack on unsuspecting visitors on April 22, 2025,. At least 25 tourists are feared dead, with several others injured, in what authorities are describing as a targeted and meticulously planned assault. The attack, one of the deadliest on civilians in the region in recent years, has sent shockwaves across India, prompting swift responses from security forces, medical teams, and top government officials.
A Massacre in Mini Switzerland
Pahalgam, often dubbed the “Mini Switzerland” of India for its lush green meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, is a magnet for tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The Baisaran Valley, accessible only by foot or horseback, is one of its prime attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every summer. On Tuesday afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., this idyllic setting became the site of a gruesome terror attack.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots echoing through the upper meadows of Baisaran Valley. According to initial accounts, a group of at least seven terrorists, dressed in camouflage resembling military fatigues, ambushed a group of horse-riding tourists. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately at close range, targeting men, women, and elderly visitors who had come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley.
Sources said that at least 25 tourists were killed through officials have not given any figure of casualty.
The attackers reportedly checked the religion of some victims before shooting, suggesting a deliberate and targeted assault aimed at non-Muslims. One survivor recounted the harrowing moment when her husband was shot in the head after being questioned about his name and religion, leaving her pleading for his rescue amidst the chaos.
Today’s cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam is yet another dark reminder of the evil that terrorism breeds (bloodshed, and the loss of innocent lives).As someone who believes in peace, dignity, and the sanctity of life, I strongly condemn this heinous act. pic.twitter.com/7vemSXFTeJ
— Muntaha (@khaatoon_) April 22, 2025
The Resistance Front (TRF), a local offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports. Sources indicated that security agencies had received prior intelligence inputs about the presence of LeT terrorists in the Baisaran Valley, raising questions about potential security lapses.
Security Forces and Medical Teams Mobilize
The remote location of Baisaran Valley, accessible only by non-motorable paths, posed significant challenges for rescue and response efforts. Security forces, including the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, rushed to the site, cordoning off the area and launching an extensive combing operation in the surrounding dense forests to track down the perpetrators. Authorities exercised caution, suspecting the possibility of a trap set by the terrorists.
Medical teams were deployed swiftly, with helicopters pressed into service to evacuate the injured. Local residents played a critical role in the rescue efforts, using ponies to transport wounded tourists down from the meadows to Pahalgam’s hospital. At least 12 injured tourists were admitted to the Pahalgam hospital, with four in critical condition. One critically injured tourist was airlifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag for advanced treatment. A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital confirmed that the condition of the admitted patients was stable, though the full extent of injuries was still being assessed.
Government’s Response: High-Level Meetings and Condemnations
The attack prompted an immediate and robust response from the highest levels of the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a two-day visit, held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Expressing deep concern over the incident, PM Modi directed Shah to visit the attack site, take stock of the situation, and ensure all suitable measures are implemented to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Prime Minister’s call underscored the urgency of addressing the security crisis in the region, especially during the peak tourist season and ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3.
In Delhi, Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency high-level meeting at his residence to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and several Army officials who joined via video conferencing. Shah also spoke directly with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to coordinate the response on the ground. Announcing his plans to travel to Srinagar shortly, Shah vowed that those responsible for the “dastardly act of terror” would face the “harshest consequences.”
The attack triggered a wave of condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, visibly shaken, described the assault as an “abomination” and the perpetrators as “animals, inhuman, and worthy of contempt.” In a post on X, he expressed shock at the scale of the attack, noting that it was “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” Abdullah immediately cut short his visit to Ramban and returned to Srinagar to oversee the response, ensuring that his colleague, Minister Sakina Itoo, was at the hospital to manage arrangements for the injured.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack as “cowardly and despicable,” assuring the public that the culprits would not go unpunished. He directed district administration and health officials to provide immediate medical assistance to the victims and confirmed that security forces had launched search operations in the area.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), called the attack “unacceptable” and emphasized Kashmir’s historical tradition of warmly welcoming tourists. She demanded a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and examine potential security lapses, stressing the need to ensure visitor safety.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina accused “Pakistani terrorists” of orchestrating the attack, alleging that they targeted unarmed tourists out of cowardice, unable to confront India’s security forces directly. Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone labeled the terrorists as “enemies of Kashmiris,” arguing that their actions aimed to drive tourists away and cripple the region’s economy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the attack, with Singh calling it a “reprehensible act of cowardice” and Vadra describing it as a “shameful and inhuman” crime against humanity.
A Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism Boom
The attack comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a significant surge in tourism, with over 2 crore visitors expected in 2025, setting new records. Popular destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam have been fully booked, signaling a recovery from years of militancy. The timing of the attack, just months before the 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims through Pahalgam’s 48-km route, raises serious concerns about security arrangements.
Historically, Pahalgam had remained relatively untouched by terrorist violence, making this incident particularly alarming. The attack follows a pattern of increasing audacity among terror groups, with a similar assault on tourists reported in the region last year. The involvement of TRF, backed by LeT, and allegations of Pakistani involvement, as claimed by BJP’s Ravinder Raina, are likely to intensify India’s counter-terrorism operations in South Kashmir.
Posts on X have drawn parallels between the Pahalgam attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. Some users speculated that the timing of the attack coincided with the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India and recent anti-Hindu remarks by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, though these claims remain unverified and speculative.
Challenges Ahead: Security and Economic Fallout
The Pahalgam attack poses significant challenges for the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Ensuring the safety of tourists and pilgrims, particularly with the Amarnath Yatra approaching, will require heightened security measures and robust intelligence-sharing. The attack also tests the capabilities of Amritpal Singh, the newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Anantnag.
Economically, the attack threatens to disrupt Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy. Local residents, who rely heavily on tourism for their livelihood, expressed distress over the incident. “It is a big loss for us. We have lost all our work. Our source of income has been snatched from us,” said Mohd. Umar, a local, in a statement to ANI. The fear of tourists avoiding the region could have long-term repercussions for the Valley’s recovery.
The Pahalgam terror attack is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the region strives to reclaim its status as a global tourism hub. The loss of at least 25 lives and the trauma inflicted on survivors underscore the urgency of rooting out terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians. As security forces intensify their operations and the government vows to bring the perpetrators to justice, the incident calls for unity across political divides and a renewed commitment to peace in the Valley.
Prime Minister Modi’s directive to Home Minister Shah, coupled with the swift mobilization of security and medical resources, reflects the government’s determination to respond decisively. However, the attack also highlights the need for a comprehensive review of intelligence and security protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. For now, the nation mourns the lives lost in Baisaran Valley and stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, hoping for a swift recovery for the injured and justice for those responsible.
