Pahalgam Massacre: 28 Tourists Killed in Kashmir’s Deadliest Attack in Years

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which occurred on April 22, 2025, at the Baisaran meadow in the Anantnag district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, (Pahalgam is a crucial transit point for the annual Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage. Thousands of devotees passed through the town on their way to the holy Amarnath Cave, contributing significantly to the tourist influx), resulted in at least 28 fatalities and over 20 injuries.

Attack in Pahalgam

April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley meadow, approximately 7 kilometers from Pahalgam town. The area is known for its scenic beauty and is popular with tourists. At least four militants opened fire on tourists. Survivors reported that the attackers asked victims for their names before shooting. Some victims were shot at close range. 28 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists from various states, two local residents of Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign tourists (one from Nepal and one from the UAE) were shot dead. Among the deceased an Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official are also there and over 20 people were injured.

Responsibility and Moto of the Attack in Pahalgam

Responsibility: The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy for the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence agencies identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top LeT commander, as the mastermind. Witnesses reported that the attackers, believed to be around six foreigners, were wearing Army fatigues. They are believed to have body cameras to record the assault, a tactic often associated with LeT propaganda. Sketches of three suspected militants have been released.

Moto: The motive of attack is very clear to disrupt peace, destabilize the region, and challenge the authority of the government, to gain publicity and instill fear in the population, and to promote a specific religious or separatist ideology through violence and intimidation.

Government Strong Action

After the deadliest attack in Pahalgam, Government of India has taken various measures to stop such activities and arrest the terrorist,

Diplomatic Measures

• Downgrading Diplomatic Ties with Pakistan: India has announced a significant downgrading of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
• Expulsion of Diplomats: All Pakistani defense, naval, and air advisors in the High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given a week to leave. India will also withdraw its military advisors from Islamabad.
• Reduction of Mission Strength: The strength of both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1st.
• Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and previously issued visas under this scheme have been revoked.
• Closure of Attari Border: The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been shut down with immediate effect.
• Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system, until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism.”

Security Measures and Investigation

• High Alert and Vigilance: Security forces have been directed to maintain high vigilance across the region.
• Manhunt for Perpetrators: A large-scale search operation has been launched to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the attack. Thousands of police and soldiers are involved, and checkpoints have been increased. Helicopters are being used to search forested areas.
• Investigation Underway: Investigations are ongoing, and initial probes suggest the involvement of five terrorists, including three from Pakistan, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Forensic Evidence: Forensic analysis and survivor testimonies indicate the attackers used military-grade weapons and advanced communication devices, pointing to a high level of training and planning, with links traced back to Pakistan-based terror operatives.
• Reward for Information: Sketches of at least three suspected terrorists have been released, and a reward of ₹20 lakh each has been announced for information leading to their capture.
• Enhanced Security for Tourists: Security measures have been intensified in the region to protect tourists and prevent future incidents, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. This includes increased patrolling and surveillance.
• Emergency Help Desks: Emergency help desks have been established for tourists in Anantnag to provide assistance and information.

Support and Assistance

• Bringing Back Stranded Tourists: Special flights have been arranged by some state governments, like Maharashtra, to bring back tourists who were stranded in Kashmir following the attack.
• Ferrying Mortal Remains: Airlines operated numerous flights from Srinagar to transport the bodies of the victims to their hometowns, along with accompanying family members.
• Condemnations and Support: India has received widespread international condemnation of the attack and expressions of support.

Political Response

• All-Party Meeting: The central government convened an all-party meeting to brief political leaders on the situation and the government’s response.
• Strong Statements: Top government officials, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, have strongly condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.The government’s response indicates a firm stance against cross-border terrorism and a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the region, especially for tourists. The focus is on both immediate actions like investigation and security enhancement, as well as long-term measures impacting diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

PM Narendra Modi With Victim of Attack

He cut short his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and address the situation. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to strategize India’s response.

He pledged that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice. He reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism. He emphasized that such acts of violence would not deter India’s fight against terror.

India took strong diplomatic actions, including summoning Pakistani diplomats, and other strong actions against Pakistan. Security measures were increased in the region. In essence, PM Modi’s reaction demonstrated a firm stance against terrorism, prioritizing both immediate action and long-term resolve.

Also Read: Tensions Rise in Murshidabad Over Proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill https://dhristikon.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=97&action=edit