Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Dead as Militants Target Tourists in Kashmir
Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Dead as Militants Target Tourists in Kashmir
Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Dead as Militants Target Tourists in Kashmir
In a devastating assault on April 22, 2025, militants opened fire on a group of tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in at least 26 fatalities and over 20 injuries. The victims, primarily Indian nationals, were subjected to harrowing conditions before being killed. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers demanded victims recite Islamic verses and segregated them based on religious identity before opening fire. Some men were forced to remove their trousers to check for circumcision before being shot at close range. A local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, attempted to protect the tourists and wrestle a weapon from one of the attackers before being killed.
Security Forces Launch Manhunt for Militants
Indian security forces have intensified operations to apprehend the perpetrators. Intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known by the alias Khalid, a senior commander of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as the mastermind behind the massacre. According to intelligence sources, five to six militants were involved in the attack, including several who had recently infiltrated the Valley from across the Line of Control (LoC).
India and Pakistan Exchange Fire Along LoC
The attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Officials from both countries confirmed overnight exchanges of fire across the Line of Control. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the militant group responsible for the attack and responded by suspending visas for Pakistani nationals and expelling diplomats, while Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian flights and halted Indian visa issuance. India further intensified actions by suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement. Pakistan labeled this move as an act of war, warning of serious retaliatory consequences. Both sides have engaged in symbolic deportations across the Wagah-Attari border and increased military readiness. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to find and punish those behind the attack, raising fears of further escalation.
Security Measures in Kashmir and Neighboring States
In the aftermath of the attack, the Union government has asked the top functionaries of the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) security architecture to identify gap areas and work on a plan to fill them with permanent deployment of personnel drawing from the Army and Paramilitary forces. A detailed fresh review of security arrangements is underway ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 this year, which passes through Pahalgam. Security has also been enhanced at tourist spots, religious places, and institutions in neighboring Punjab, where students from Kashmir are studying. The state government has increased the security of individuals at high risk and intensified patrolling around their residences.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Responses
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from the international community. Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and neighboring nations such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have expressed their condolences and condemned the violence. The United Nations has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and resolve matters peacefully. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims but dismissed allegations of its country’s involvement in the attack, calling them baseless. Pakistan also warned India of a comprehensive retaliation in response to the actions announced by the Indian government in the aftermath of the incident.
Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism Industry
The attack has had a significant impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry. Tourism, which had been on the rise in recent years, has been severely affected, with many tourists canceling their plans to visit the region. Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, expressed despair over the economic impact, describing the summer season as ruined. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the region and the need for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam terror attack has not only claimed numerous innocent lives but has also strained Indo-Pakistani relations and disrupted the region’s economy. As security forces continue their operations to apprehend the perpetrators, the international community watches closely, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution.
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