On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Seven militants, affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF) a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba launched a brutal assault on tourists in the area. The attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s and dressed in military-style uniforms, opened fire on unsuspecting civilians, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and injuries to over 20 others.
The Attack
The assailants targeted tourists in the picturesque Baisaran meadow, a popular destination known as “mini Switzerland.” Eyewitness accounts reveal that the militants demanded victims to recite Islamic verses, shooting those who failed to comply. Among the deceased were 25 Indian nationals, including individuals from various states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Two foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates also lost their lives. Notably, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official were among the fatalities.
Local residents displayed remarkable courage during the crisis. Members of the local pony-handlers association rescued approximately 11 injured tourists using ponies and improvised stretchers. One local, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, attempted to confront the attackers and was killed in the process.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the situation. He vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar to oversee the security response. In retaliation, India took several measures:
- Downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, including expelling Pakistani military advisers and reducing diplomatic staff.
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant water-sharing agreement between the two nations.
- Closing the main land border with Pakistan and canceling a visa exemption scheme for Pakistani citizens.
International Reaction
The international community widely condemned the attack. Leaders from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Israel, and Nepal expressed their condolences and support for India. U.S. President Donald Trump described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and reaffirmed support for India in its fight against terrorism.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The attack severely impacted the region’s tourism industry, which had been experiencing a boom with over 3 million visitors in 2024. Following the incident, mass cancellations ensued, and airlines had to add return flights to accommodate tourists eager to leave. Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, expressed despair over the economic fallout, describing the summer season as ruined.
Ongoing Investigation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a probe into the attack. Security agencies released sketches of three militants involved, identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Intelligence agencies believe Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, a top LeT commander, masterminded the massacre.
This tragic event underscores the persistent challenges of terrorism in the region and has reignited discussions on national security and regional stability.
Sources:
- https://www.ft.com/content/702b94b2-21ec-40b6-ac27-75f3696e2225?utm_
- https://www.reuters.com/world/india/kashmir-killings-shatter-modis-tourism-success-troubled-region-2025-04-23
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/23/indian-security-forces-hunt-militants-after-tourists-killed-in-kashmir-attack
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amit-shah-rushes-to-srinagar-ib-official-among-those-killed-injured-include-83-year-old/article69479915.ece
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