Members of Indian security personnel patrol on a highway leading to South Kashmir's Pahalgam, following a suspected militant attack, in Marhama village, in Kashmir, Apr. 23, 2025. / REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

On Apr.22, 2025, the serene meadows of Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, were shattered by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike. At approximately 2:30 PM, two to four gunmen, dressed in military fatigues and reportedly equipped with body cameras, emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding Baisaran valley and opened fire on a group of tourists enjoying pony rides. The attack, which claimed at least 26 lives—mostly tourists, including two foreign nationals—and injured 34 others, has reignited fears of resurgent militancy in a region that had seen a revival of tourism in recent years. This article examines the details of the attack, its immediate aftermath, the response from Indian and global leaders, and its implications for Jammu and Kashmir’s future.

Also read: Diaspora experts condemn Kashmir terrorist attack

The Attack: A Calculated Strike

The assault took place in Baisaran meadow, about five kilometers from Pahalgam town in Anantnag district, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty. According to police sources, the attackers, believed to include both local Kashmiris and Pakistani nationals, targeted a group of approximately 40 tourists. Witnesses described a chilling scene: the gunmen, some wearing printed masks resembling army personnel, singled out men, checked identities, and in some cases asked victims to recite the Kalima before shooting them at close range. One survivor likened the attack to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, noting the terrorists’ sniper-like precision and coordinated approach.

Among the victims were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who had married just five days prior, and an Intelligence Bureau officer from Hyderabad, killed in front of his family while on vacation. A businessman from Karnataka and tourists from Maharashtra were also among the deceased, highlighting the diverse group of visitors targeted. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility, with intelligence sources suggesting the involvement of a Hafiz Saeed aide.

Immediate Aftermath: Chaos and Response

The attack triggered widespread panic, with videos capturing gunshots and screams echoing across the valley. Tourists fled, and many remain stranded as Jammu and Kashmir grapples with an “overbooked” exodus. Air India and IndiGo announced additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai, waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees until April 30, 2025, to assist travelers. The region observed a shutdown on Apr.23, with schools, shops, and businesses closing in protest, as called for by political parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia, cut short his visit and returned to Delhi on Apr.22 night, chairing a high-level security meeting at the airport. Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar to review the situation, signaling the government’s urgency. Modi condemned the attack, vowing that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice” and emphasizing India’s “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” underscoring its unprecedented scale.

Global Condemnation and Solidarity

The attack drew swift condemnation from world leaders, reflecting its international resonance. U.S. President Donald Trump called it “deeply disturbing,” pledging full support to India and speaking with Modi to express condolences. Vice President JD Vance, on a personal visit to India, noted the country’s beauty marred by the tragedy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and leaders from France, Sri Lanka, and Nepal also expressed solidarity, with Nepal verifying reports of a national among the victims. These responses underscored a unified stance against terrorism, particularly as the attack coincided with high-profile visits and followed the U.S. extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Context and Implications

The Pahalgam attack has revived memories of past terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those timed for maximum international attention during foreign dignitaries’ visits. Security officials noted similarities to attacks in 2000 and 2002, suggesting a familiar “terror playbook” aimed at disrupting stability. The timing, a week after Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir’s provocative statement calling Kashmir Islamabad’s “jugular vein,” fueled speculation of external provocation, though India’s Ministry of External Affairs sharply rebuked such rhetoric.

Pahalgam’s resurgence as a tourist hub, driven by mass summer tourism, made it a symbolic target. The attack not only threatens the region’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, but also its hard-won image of relative peace. National Conference spokesperson Ifra Jan called it “an attack on the character of Jammu and Kashmir,” while celebrities like Sunny Deol, Sidharth Malhotra, Mohanlal, and Prithviraj Sukumaran mourned the loss, amplifying public outrage. Comedian Samay Raina expressed sleepless distress, reflecting the national mood.
Challenges Ahead

The attack poses immediate security challenges. Intelligence sources indicate local support may have facilitated the strike, raising concerns about identifying and neutralizing such networks. Posts on X suggested the need for rapid identification of perpetrators to prevent future incidents, with some alleging the attackers’ familiarity with the terrain. The use of body cameras by the terrorists hints at a propaganda motive, potentially to amplify fear through shared footage.

For India, the attack tests its resolve to maintain stability in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after years of reduced militancy. The government’s response—bolstered security, high-level reviews, and international cooperation—aims to reassure citizens and investors. However, the human toll, with families like those of Lieutenant Narwal and the Hyderabad IB officer grieving, underscores the personal tragedies behind the headlines.

Moving Forward

The Pahalgam terror attack is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. While global and domestic leaders unite in condemnation, the path forward requires not only justice for the victims but also a renewed focus on countering terrorism without alienating local communities. As candlelight marches in Baramulla, Srinagar, and Jammu reflect public resolve, the challenge is to restore confidence in Pahalgam’s meadows as a place of beauty, not bloodshed. For now, India mourns, but its determination to fight terrorism remains unshaken.

 

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)