The Pahalgam Tragedy: Unpacking the Recent Terror Attack in Kashmir

April 24, 2025

On April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, often called "mini Switzerland" for its breathtaking beauty, became the site of one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. This brutal assault, which claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists and injured over 20 others, has sent shockwaves across India and the world, reigniting debates about security, terrorism, and the fragile peace in Kashmir. In this blog, we delve into the details of the attack, its implications, and the path forward.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

The attack unfolded in the early afternoon when a group of heavily armed terrorists, believed to be six or seven in number, emerged from the dense forests surrounding Baisaran Valley. They targeted a group of tourists, many of whom were enjoying a leisurely day in the popular meadow, a hotspot for vacationers from across India. Eyewitnesses described a chilling sequence: the attackers interrogated victims, asking for their names and religious affiliations, before opening fire with automatic weapons. The assault was swift, precise, and merciless, leaving 26 dead, including six from Maharashtra, a newlywed Indian Navy officer, and an Air Force corporal. Among the victims were also two foreign nationals, underscoring the attack's broad impact.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack, labeling it a targeted strike against those they baselessly claimed were linked to Indian agencies. Indian security agencies have since released sketches of three terrorists, two of whom are believed to be foreigners, and identified two Kashmiri militants, Adil Guri and Ahsan, who reportedly infiltrated from Pakistan after visiting in 2018.

A Devastating Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism and Peace

Pahalgam, a jewel of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, was gearing up for a bustling trekking and tourist season when the attack struck. The immediate aftermath saw a mass exodus of visitors, with nearly 90% of bookings canceled as fear gripped travelers. The Jammu-Srinagar highway, already damaged by recent flashfloods and landslides, left many tourists stranded, amplifying the chaos. The hospitality industry, a lifeline for many locals, now faces a severe setback, with hoteliers like Asif Burza calling the attack a "crime against humanity."

For Kashmiris, the attack was a profound betrayal. The region observed a complete shutdown for the first time in 35 years, with mosques blaring calls for protests and locals expressing solidarity with the victims. "We are hurt at our core. We are human beings," one protester told NDTV, reflecting the collective grief and anger. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who rushed back to Srinagar, described the attack as "much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years," underscoring its unprecedented scale.

Stories of Loss and Resilience

The human toll of the Pahalgam attack is heart-wrenching. Among the victims was Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a newlywed Indian Navy officer from Karnal, killed during his honeymoon. His wife, Himanshi, recounted the horror in a viral video, describing how a terrorist shot her husband as they sat in the meadow. Shubham Dwivedi, a 30-year-old from Kanpur, was another casualty, leaving his family devastated just hours after a routine phone call. Sushil, a Christian tourist, was shot after refusing to recite the Kalma, while his daughter, Akanksha, survived with bullet injuries. Bharath, a Bengaluru techie, was killed in front of his wife and toddler after his name was mistaken for "Bharat," a homophone for India. These stories highlight the indiscriminate cruelty of the attack, which spared neither locals nor visitors, nor those of any faith.

Yet, amidst the tragedy, stories of resilience emerged. Two women from Maharashtra refused to leave Kashmir, citing the warmth and hospitality of locals. "They have earned our trust," one said, vowing not to let fear define their experience. Such acts of defiance underscore the enduring spirit of those who call Kashmir home and those who cherish it.

India’s Response and Global Condemnation

The Indian government responded swiftly and decisively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short a trip to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack and vowed that "those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice." Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the victims, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh promised a "strong response" to the perpetrators. The government announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for others hurt. India also suspended the Indus Water Treaty, closed its main border crossing with Pakistan, and barred Pakistani nationals from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, signaling a hardline stance against cross-border terrorism.

Internationally, the attack drew widespread condemnation. US President Donald Trump called the news "deeply disturbing," offering full support to India. Leaders from Turkey, China, and even Pakistan expressed condolences, though Canada remained notably silent among G7 nations, with only opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemning the attack. The global outcry reflects the attack’s gravity, with former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez succinctly summarizing the sentiment: "Heartbreaking. Horrifying."

The Larger Context: A Pattern of Terror

The Pahalgam attack is not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing pattern of cross-border terrorism linked to Pakistan’s military-intelligence establishment, according to Indian officials. The TRF, an offshoot of LeT, has a history of targeting civilians, including Kashmiri Pandits, non-Kashmiris, and security forces. Notable past attacks include the 2021 killing of a chemist and a school principal, the 2023 Anantnag encounter, and the 2024 Reasi pilgrims attack. Former Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid likened the attack to a "Pulwama 2.0 moment," calling for a decisive response akin to Israel’s approach to terrorism.

Security agencies are now in overdrive, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) leading a multi-tiered probe. A fierce encounter in Kulgam and another in Udhampur’s Dudu Basantgarh area indicate ongoing efforts to neutralize the threat. However, the attack’s precision and scale have raised concerns about Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) equipping and training terrorists, as noted by defence expert Major General Yash Mor (retd).

The Path Forward: Challenges and Hope

The Pahalgam attack poses significant challenges. First, it underscores the need for enhanced security in tourist areas, which are soft targets for terrorists seeking maximum impact. Second, it highlights the importance of sustained intelligence and diplomatic pressure to curb cross-border terrorism. As The Hindu noted, India must develop "escalatory credibility" through diplomatic, economic, and covert means, backed by political consensus and institutional memory.

For Kashmir, the attack is a setback to its hard-won progress toward stability. The region’s tourism-driven economy, which employs thousands, faces an uncertain future unless confidence is restored. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s administration is working to evacuate stranded tourists and ensure their safety, but rebuilding trust will take time.

Yet, there is hope. The unified condemnation from Kashmiri locals, who joined protests and candlelight vigils, signals a rejection of violence. The bravery of survivors and the solidarity of global leaders remind us that humanity can prevail over terror. India’s resolve, as articulated by PM Modi, remains unshakable: "Our fight against terrorism will only get stronger."

Final Thoughts

The Pahalgam terror attack is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism and its devastating human cost. As India mourns the loss of 26 lives, it must channel its grief into action—strengthening security, pursuing justice, and fostering unity. For Kashmir, a land of unparalleled beauty and resilience, this tragedy must not define its future. By standing together, locals and visitors alike can ensure that Baisaran’s meadows once again echo with laughter, not gunfire.

Let us honor the victims by working toward a world where such atrocities are relics of the past. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going about how we can build a safer, more peaceful future.