On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist incident occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, when terrorists opened fire on visitors in the Baisaran Valley, killing at least 28 people and injuring over 20. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, claiming opposition to demographic changes in the region caused by the settlement of over 85,000 foreigners following the removal of Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
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The attack was aimed at civilians, including Indian nationals and international visitors from Nepal and the UAE. The casualties included a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau staffer. Survivors stated that uniformed gunmen came from the jungle and shot indiscriminately, sparing women and children.
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Reacting to the “heinous act,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed his official trip to Saudi Arabia to arrange high-level security meetings in India. Promising the offenders will face punishment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the family of the victims in Srinagar.
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.
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
पहलगाम के आतंकी हमले में अपनों को खोने का दर्द हर भारतीय को है। इस दुःख को शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं किया जा सकता।
मैं अपने इन सभी परिवारों और पूरे देश को विश्वास दिलाता हूँ कि बेगुनाह मासूम लोगों को मारने वाले इन आतंकियों को बिल्कुल बख्शा नहीं जाएगा। pic.twitter.com/Dwkt6Hhj7P
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2025
Following a thorough investigation, Indian security officials discovered a sketch of three claimed terrorists: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. Beginning their investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) came upon evidence suggesting an assailant would have come from Pakistan a few days before the tragedy.
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With a projected 3 million visitors in 2024, the disaster badly disrupted Pahalgam’s tourism industry. Following the catastrophe, guests left in great numbers; Air India added extra aircraft to handle departures. Local businesses mostly dependent on tourism are losing heavily.
In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, 23rd April.
Details of the two flights are as under:
Srinagar to Delhi – 11:30 AM
Srinagar to Mumbai – 12:00 noon
Booking for…— Air India (@airindia) April 22, 2025
Leaders worldwide, including US President Donald Trump and EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, criticized the event and offered sympathy for India.
✉️ President of #Russia Vladimir Putin extended condolences to President of #India Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi @narendramodi over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/GXJV7y9VnY
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) April 22, 2025
The case has raised issues concerning regional security since the opponent claims that such actions are meant to cause political and economic disturbance in Kashmir. The government promises to increase its battle against terrorism and keep Pahalgam, a symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty, from being connected with bloodshed while the nation cries.