Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Lives Lost in Brutal Assault on Tourists
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir – April 22, 2025:
In a horrific act of violence that has shaken the nation, 26 people were killed and several others injured when armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, on Tuesday afternoon. The attack, described by officials as one of the deadliest in recent times, has prompted national outrage and a swift response from the government and security forces.
What Happened?
- The attack began around 2:30 PM in the scenic Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its lush green meadows and panoramic views.
- Eyewitnesses reported that multiple heavily armed militants descended suddenly on the open valley and began indiscriminate firing at tourists.
- Among the deceased were a newlywed Indian Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau official, and two foreign nationals—one from the UAE and another from Nepal. Two local residents also lost their lives in the gunfire.
- Heartbreaking scenes followed as terrified tourists ran for cover in the wide open landscape, with no proper shelter to protect them from the barrage of bullets.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
- Emergency evacuation was launched using military helicopters, as the location is accessible only by foot or horseback.
- The Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police quickly sealed off the area, launching a massive search and cordon operation to track down the assailants.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached the site and joined the probe, which is being treated as a top-priority national security matter.
National Leadership Reacts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut his trip short and returned to India.
- He issued a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is stronger than ever.”
- PM Modi is now chairing an urgent Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the situation and decide on further action.
Who Is Behind the Attack?
- Though no official confirmation has been given, preliminary reports indicate that ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF)—a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—has claimed responsibility.
- Intelligence sources believe the attackers may have crossed over from Kishtwar and entered Baisaran via Kokernag, in South Kashmir.
Global Reactions and Support
- The international community has rallied behind India, with leaders like US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemning the attack.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen also expressed grief, calling the assault a “vile act of terrorism”.
Additional Measures and Public Safety
- Delhi Police has heightened security in sensitive zones, tourist hotspots, and at border checkpoints.
- Air India and IndiGo have added extra flights to and from Srinagar and waived rescheduling/cancellation fees for affected passengers.
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also cut short her foreign trip and is en route to India to support the government’s response.
Haunting Eyewitness Accounts
Disturbing videos have emerged showing families pleading for help amid chaos. In one video, a woman desperately begs medics to save her wounded husband. In another, a grieving woman, whose husband was executed in front of her, tearfully recounts how the terrorists told her to “go tell Modi.”
Emergency Helplines for Assistance
For anyone affected or seeking information, the following helplines have been made available:
Srinagar Emergency Control Room
- 0194-2457543 / 0194-2483651
- Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar: 7006058623
24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag
- 9596777669 / 01932-225870
- WhatsApp: 9419051940
J&K Tourism Department Helplines
- 8899931010 / 8899941010
- Nissar (Asst Director Tourism): 9906663868
- Mudassir (Tourist Officer): 9906906115
Page Contents
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir – April 22, 2025:
In a horrific act of violence that has shaken the nation, 26 people were killed and several others injured when armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, on Tuesday afternoon. The attack, described by officials as one of the deadliest in recent times, has prompted national outrage and a swift response from the government and security forces.
What Happened?
- The attack began around 2:30 PM in the scenic Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its lush green meadows and panoramic views.
- Eyewitnesses reported that multiple heavily armed militants descended suddenly on the open valley and began indiscriminate firing at tourists.
- Among the deceased were a newlywed Indian Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau official, and two foreign nationals—one from the UAE and another from Nepal. Two local residents also lost their lives in the gunfire.
- Heartbreaking scenes followed as terrified tourists ran for cover in the wide open landscape, with no proper shelter to protect them from the barrage of bullets.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
- Emergency evacuation was launched using military helicopters, as the location is accessible only by foot or horseback.
- The Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police quickly sealed off the area, launching a massive search and cordon operation to track down the assailants.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached the site and joined the probe, which is being treated as a top-priority national security matter.
National Leadership Reacts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut his trip short and returned to India.
- He issued a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is stronger than ever.”
- PM Modi is now chairing an urgent Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the situation and decide on further action.
Who Is Behind the Attack?
- Though no official confirmation has been given, preliminary reports indicate that ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF)—a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—has claimed responsibility.
- Intelligence sources believe the attackers may have crossed over from Kishtwar and entered Baisaran via Kokernag, in South Kashmir.
Global Reactions and Support
- The international community has rallied behind India, with leaders like US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemning the attack.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen also expressed grief, calling the assault a “vile act of terrorism”.
Additional Measures and Public Safety
- Delhi Police has heightened security in sensitive zones, tourist hotspots, and at border checkpoints.
- Air India and IndiGo have added extra flights to and from Srinagar and waived rescheduling/cancellation fees for affected passengers.
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also cut short her foreign trip and is en route to India to support the government’s response.
Haunting Eyewitness Accounts
Disturbing videos have emerged showing families pleading for help amid chaos. In one video, a woman desperately begs medics to save her wounded husband. In another, a grieving woman, whose husband was executed in front of her, tearfully recounts how the terrorists told her to “go tell Modi.”
Emergency Helplines for Assistance
For anyone affected or seeking information, the following helplines have been made available:
Srinagar Emergency Control Room
- 0194-2457543 / 0194-2483651
- Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar: 7006058623
24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag
- 9596777669 / 01932-225870
- WhatsApp: 9419051940
J&K Tourism Department Helplines
- 8899931010 / 8899941010
- Nissar (Asst Director Tourism): 9906663868
- Mudassir (Tourist Officer): 9906906115
