Terrorists launched a sudden attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. They opened fire and killed at least 26 people. Some of the victims were foreign nationals. Additionally, many others were injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, took responsibility for the deadly strike.
Soon after the gunfire was reported near the Baisaran meadows, the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police began a joint search operation. A senior official confirmed that forces acted immediately.
PM Modi and Amit Shah Respond Quickly
Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia. He returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night. At the same time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar. He quickly called a high-level security meeting with top officials.
Attack Lasted Minutes, Then Gunmen Fled
According to initial reports, the terrorists opened fire for just 3 to 5 minutes before escaping. Soon after, a joint operation began. The Army’s Victor Force, Special Forces, CRPF’s 116 Battalion, and the J&K Police's Special Operations Group joined hands for the mission.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses shared horrifying details. Tourists were enjoying pony rides when four armed men, dressed in Army uniforms, walked toward them. In addition, three to four other terrorists stood close by, watching.
One attacker reportedly asked a couple if they were Muslims or Hindus. When they said they were Hindus, he shot them. Moreover, the terrorists told other men to recite the Kalima. Those who failed were shot on the spot. Some were even stripped so the terrorists could check for circumcision before killing them.
Terrorists Likely Entered from Kishtwar
TRF, which often acts as a cover for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Officials believe the attackers entered from Kishtwar in Jammu. Then, they likely traveled through Kokernag in south Kashmir to reach Baisaran.
PM Modi Issues a Firm Warning
Shortly after returning to India, Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” he wrote on X.
He also made a strong promise.“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice... they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
Area Sealed Off as Tensions Rise
Later that evening, Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an urgent security meeting with all key agencies in Srinagar. According to Moneycontrol, he is expected to visit Pahalgam on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, security forces cordoned off the area. They launched a combing operation. However, they are moving with caution. Intelligence sources warned the terrorists might be planning to lure forces into a trap, as reported by News18.
Finally, officials fear the death toll may rise. If so, this could become one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in Kashmir in recent years. Some major terrorist attacks in India in past 17 years are listed below.
Pulwama Attack – 2019
On February 14, 2019, a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist carried out a suicide bombing in Pulwama. He drove a car full of explosives into a bus carrying CRPF personnel. As a result, at least 40 soldiers died in the explosion.
Soon after the attack, the Indian Air Force launched an airstrike in Balakot, Pakistan. They targeted terrorist camps to respond to the killings.
Uri Attack – 2016
Later, on September 18, 2016, four terrorists crossed over from Pakistan. They attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. The attackers killed 17 soldiers.
The Army reported, “A group of heavy terrorists targeted the rear administrative base of a unit at Uri, Kashmir. There have been a total of 17 Army fatal casualties. Of these, 13-14 casualties have been due to these tents/shelters having caught fire.”
In response, Indian special forces conducted a surgical strike across the Line of Control. They destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Importantly, no Indian soldier was harmed during the operation.
26/11 Mumbai Attacks – 2008
Earlier in 2008, on November 26, 10 terrorists from Pakistan entered Mumbai by sea. They belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group. They carried out coordinated attacks across the city.
They targeted five major locations, including the Taj Hotel. Consequently, over 160 people died, including foreign nationals. The attacks lasted several days and left Mumbai in shock.
Overall, the Pahalgam attack adds to a long list of terror strikes India has suffered. Each time, the country has stood strong. Now, the nation demands swift justice for the victims.