April 22, 2025. This attack targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 dead and more than 20 injured. The attack received condemnation domestically and internationally and escalated a diplomatic conflict between India and Pakistan. The attackers appear to have targeted Hindu tourists and pilgrims, making the attack one of the most brutal terror attacks in Kashmir in recent memory. The episode raises alarming issues about the safety and well-being of religious minorities in the territory. Attackers Targeted HindusThe terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack are believed to be linked to the proxy terrorist organization, The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, they have identified three suspected terrorists, two of whom are Pakistani nationals and confirmed members of Lashkar-e-Taiba.Witness accounts portray a scene of terror as terrorists singled out Hindu pilgrims and made a point of identifying their ethnicity. Survivors reported that the terrorists opened fire on a group of primarily Hindus who were at a popular picnic spot, and while shooting them, they demeaned them religiously or ethnically humiliated them before execution.A survivor explained the horrible situation: “They separated Hindus from the group and forced us to say Islamic prayers. If we could not they shot us on the spot. They even checked our underwear to see if we were circumcised – proof of being a Muslim. My brother refused, and they killed him in front of me.” Another eyewitness, who was on a family vacation, stated, “They kept shouting ‘Kafirs must die’ and only spared those who could show they were Muslim. My husband was taken away when they saw his tilak (Hindu forehead mark).”Deaths and Immediate AftermathSecurity forces were reported to be in a firefight and killed two of the terrorists, but the rest fled into the neighboring woods. The injured were taken to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar, and doctors said many of the injuries were “close – range execution-style wounds.” National outrage and political reactionsPrime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack by stating it was “a cowardly act of religious cleansing by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.” Home Minister Amit Shah promised revenge, saying, “Each drop of innocent blood will be avenged. The security grid in Kashmir has been ordered to be intensified.”Local Muslim leaders also condemned the violence. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, for example, took a moment of silence before his prayers to remember the victims and stated that Kashmiris “stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims.” Security Measures and InvestigationThe Indian Army is now moving ahead with “Operation Sarvashakti” and has also deployed additional troops along the Amarnath Yatra route. The terrorists appear to have crossed the India-Pok border and were detected in the identification of the suspect areas due to the dense cover of the forest. The Jammu and Kashmir police have also revealed that the sketches of three suspects produced were from survivors, and possible local support systems for these terrorists are being researched. Impacts on the Pilgrimage and Tourism The Kashmir Hotel Association (KHA) said on Saturday that 80% of tourist bookings to Kashmir have been cancelled after the Pahalgam attack. It remains a long-term setback for Kashmir tourism, as it affects not only cancellations but also the economic viability of those who rely on tourism. The Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage may also see a significant decline in pilgrims due to continued security anxiety surrounding the pilgrimage. The local government is working to boost security along the pilgrimage routes in order to ease any fears held by visitors. Local businesses and stakeholders are upset over the incident but also optimistic about a longer-term revival of tourism.Conclusion: A Call for Solidarity and AlarmThis attack has revealed the insidious target of terrorism, which is to foment communal conflict. Nonetheless, the survivors declare, “We will not let the fear divide us. Hindus and Muslims helped each other here during the attack – the terrorists will not win.” As security forces look for the remaining terrorists, the nation mourns the loss of lives and stands firm against extremism. Stay updated with the latest updates.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.