Pahalgam terror attack has shocked all India. The tranquil meadows of Pahalgam, often celebrated as the “Valley of Shepherds” and a jewel in Kashmir’s tourism crown, were shattered by a brutal terror attack on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. In one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent years, at least 26 tourists lost their lives and dozens were injured when gunmen opened fire in the Baisaran meadow, a popular spot just seven kilometers from the bustling resort town of Pahalgam.
Key points
A Scene of Horror Amidst Natural Beauty
Pahalgam, nestled at an altitude of 2,130 meters and known for its breathtaking views and as a gateway to the Amarnath Yatra, was bustling with tourists at the peak of the spring season. Survivors recount a scene of utter chaos: families and groups of friends, some busy taking photographs at the so-called “Mini Switzerland” of Baisaran, were suddenly caught in a hail of bullets. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers, reportedly dressed in Army fatigues, singled out victims based on their names and religious identity, demanding some recite Islamic verses before opening fire at point-blank range.
Asavari Jagdale, who lost her father and uncle in the attack, described the perpetrators as “demons, not humans,” recalling the horror as her family was targeted while simply enjoying a day out in the valley. The brutality and cold calculation of the assailants have left survivors and the nation in shock.
Immediate Aftermath and Security Response
The attack, which unfolded around 1:30 PM, triggered an immediate and massive security response. The Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police launched a joint combing operation, expanding their search within a five-kilometer radius of the attack site. Special forces, sniffer dogs, and advanced surveillance technologies have been deployed in the hunt for the perpetrators. Additional checkpoints and quick reaction teams have been established across the Kashmir Valley, especially around tourist hubs, hotels, and highways.
Authorities have also set up emergency help desks and helplines for tourists in Srinagar and Anantnag, aiming to provide assistance and reassurance as panic and uncertainty ripple through the region.
Identifying the terrorists of Pahalgam terror attack
Investigations have quickly zeroed in on local and foreign militants linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group. The Anantnag Police have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest of three key suspects: Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa7. Thokar, a local who reportedly received terrorist training in Pakistan, is believed to have played a crucial role in coordinating the attack. In a strong show of force and zero tolerance, authorities demolished the homes of Thokar and another local accomplice, Asif Shaikh, as part of the crackdown on terror networks in the region.
National and International Outrage
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation both within India and internationally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his foreign visit, vowed that those responsible would face justice “beyond their imagination,” reaffirming that India’s resolve against terrorism remains unbreakable. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Modi, announced a series of measures in response, including the immediate suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan until credible action is taken against cross-border terrorism.
United States President Donald Trump condemned the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin and European Union chief Ursula Von der Leyen have both spoken out against the attack, showing their support for India and the families of the victims.
Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism Industry
The attack has sent shockwaves through Kashmir’s tourism sector, which had been witnessing a robust revival after years of challenges. Tour operators and hoteliers report mass cancellations—over 60 percent of bookings in some cases threatening livelihoods in a region where tourism is a primary economic driver. Jyoti Mayal, chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, called the incident a “severe blow” to the industry’s post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to offer full refunds to affected tourists, acknowledging the widespread anxiety and uncertainty triggered by the attack.
A Community in Mourning, a Nation Resolute
As grieving families grapple with their losses, calls for justice and decisive action grow louder. The attack on innocent tourists—many of whom had come to experience the peace and beauty of Kashmir has left an indelible scar on the region’s psyche. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a collective resolve among locals, authorities, and the broader Indian public to not let terror define Kashmir’s future.
Security remains tight as the hunt for the attackers continues, and the government has pledged to restore confidence among tourists and residents alike. The tragedy at Pahalgam stands as a grim reminder of the challenges facing Kashmir, but also of the resilience and unity that such acts of violence cannot extinguish.