News Delhi – Agencies
A devastating terrorist attack was carried out in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region. On April 22, 2025, four to six militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on a group of tourists, killing at least 28 people and injuring over 20 others.
Attack Details
The attack occurred around 14:50 in the Baisaran Valley, a remote tourist spot accessible by foot or pony. Witnesses reported that gunmen in military-style uniforms emerged from nearby forests and indiscriminately fired at the crowd. The terrorists allegedly asked for names and demanded that the victims recite the kalma, checking for circumcisions to identify and spare Muslims.
Victims and Casualties
The victims included 24 Indian tourists from various states, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. The casualties also included a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and held a key meeting to discuss the attack. The meeting, which lasted nearly two and a half hours, was attended by top officials, including:
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
- Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi
- Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
- Air Chief Marshal AK Singh
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his tributes to the victims in Srinagar, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, assuring that the perpetrators would face a “loud and clear response”.
International Reactions
The attack drew widespread condemnation from world leaders, including:
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- US President Donald Trump, who reached out to PM Modi and conveyed his deepest condolences
Investigation and Aftermath
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated an investigation into the attack. Security forces launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, and a helpline was established to assist affected tourists. Protests were held in many parts of Indian-administered Kashmir condemning the attack.
