Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir — April 22, 2025:
In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least 38 civilians, including two foreign nationals. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the brutal assault.
The attack took place on Tuesday and targeted families and tourists visiting the scenic meadow of Baisaran. Victims included Indian nationals from Maharashtra, including three from Dombivli—Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi, who were on vacation with their families. Two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal also lost their lives. Over a dozen others sustained injuries, some critically. Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes, with attackers allegedly stripping some victims before opening fire.
Government Responds Swiftly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia for a high-level bilateral visit, cut short his trip and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday morning. Upon arrival, he was immediately briefed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Palam Airport. Modi had already delayed his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by two hours on Tuesday to assess the situation remotely.
Condemning the attack, PM Modi stated on X, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My 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. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.”
Modi also skipped the official dinner in Saudi Arabia and convened an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting after his return. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was on a diplomatic tour to the U.S. and Peru, also returned to India early.
Amit Shah at Ground Zero
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar late Tuesday night and chaired a high-level security review meeting involving Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and top police and military officials. Shah reportedly remained in meetings until 1 a.m. and instructed officials to launch a massive manhunt for the perpetrators. By Wednesday morning, Shah visited the hospital to meet with the injured and later paid tribute to the deceased at the Armed Police Headquarters before returning to Delhi.
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a large-scale search operation in Baisaran and the surrounding areas of Anantnag district. Enhanced security has also been deployed at major tourist destinations and transportation hubs across India.
National and International Reactions
The attack has triggered a wave of national mourning and international condemnation. Vigils and candlelight marches were held in Sopore, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Handwara. Bajrang Dal members and civil society groups also protested in Jammu.
World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and French President Emmanuel Macron, condemned the attack. Trump called PM Modi and expressed full U.S. support in bringing the perpetrators to justice, saying on Truth Social, “We pray for the souls of those lost… India has our full support and deepest sympathies.”
China, which initially maintained silence, later issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing sympathies. Similarly, Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed “concern” and extended condolences, while countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius affirmed solidarity with India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted, “My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and every Indian heart grieving today. India’s spirit is unbreakable. Europe stands with you.”
Political Outcry in India
The attack has reignited political and constitutional debates. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey called for the abolition of Articles 26 to 29 of the Indian Constitution, accusing “vote bank politics” of emboldening terrorism. “The time has come to end these articles,” he said, asserting confidence in the Modi government’s strategy on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Public Reactions and Civilian Anguish
There is palpable anger and grief across the country. In Dombivli, Mumbai, families mourned the loss of their loved ones who had just arrived in Kashmir days ago. One Pune resident, Santosh Jagdale, is currently recovering in a local hospital after being shot. His wife also sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, flight ticket prices for families bringing home the deceased have surged, prompting calls for government intervention. The family of Panvel resident Dilip Desale expressed concern over rising costs, asking whether any special arrangements were being made.
The Pahalgam terror attack has deeply shaken the nation and rekindled painful memories of the Pulwama bombing. With national leadership rallying together and the international community expressing solidarity, India has vowed a swift and decisive response to ensure the perpetrators face justice. As the nation mourns, security forces continue combing the region in one of the largest counter-terrorism operations in recent years.
