Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir | April 22, 2025 — In a horrifying terror strike that shook the Valley on Tuesday afternoon, 26 people were killed, most of them tourists, when heavily armed militants opened fire in Baisaran, a famed meadow near Pahalgam, often dubbed ‘mini Switzerland’.
According to officials, the attack occurred around 3 pm, leaving at least 20 others injured. Among the deceased were two foreigners and two locals, making it the deadliest civilian attack in the region since the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and carnage, with gunshots ringing out across the otherwise peaceful meadow as families picnicked, took pony rides, and enjoyed the panoramic vistas. Survivors reported that the attackers asked for names before firing, further underlining the targeted nature of the assault.
“This is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, calling the strike “an abomination.”
TRF Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the massacre. Security agencies suspect the terrorists infiltrated from Kishtwar and reached Baisaran via Kokernag in South Kashmir. An extensive anti-terror operation has since been launched.
National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” the Prime Minister stated on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately briefed the PM and left for Srinagar to lead an emergency security review.
Casualties Across States
Tourists from multiple states including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra were among the victims. Karnataka businessman Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga was confirmed killed. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah expressed condolences and dispatched a team to coordinate with Kashmir authorities.
With Baisaran accessible only by foot or pony, the evacuation process was challenging. Locals and pony owners helped transport the injured, while helicopters were deployed to airlift the severely wounded.
Tense Calm in the Valley
The attack has sent shockwaves across the region, coming just as the tourist season had begun to peak. Pahalgam, bustling with activity just hours before the strike, has now fallen eerily silent.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s office stated, “The entire nation is angry… Perpetrators will pay a heavy price.” Emergency control rooms have been established in Anantnag and Srinagar to manage the fallout.
National Conference MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani called the massacre a “cowardly and inhuman act”, while stressing that targeting innocents defies the tenets of any religion.
Historical Context
The Valley has witnessed several attacks on tourists and pilgrims in the past, including the 2000 Amarnath base camp attack (30 dead), and the Chhattisinghpora massacre during President Bill Clinton’s 2000 India visit.
Yet, Tuesday’s strike marks a terrifying escalation, raising questions about tourist safety and intelligence preparedness in the region.
