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Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir:
In a ghastly act of terror that has sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, heavily armed terrorists on Tuesday 22 April 2025 ambushed a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, killing at least 28 people and injuring more than 30 at point blank range after marking them as Hindus. This is being described as one of the worst attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.
The attack occurred around 3:00 PM when the tourists, many of them families and children, were trekking in the scenic meadows above Pahalgam. Eyewitnesses described the horrific moment when a group of armed men emerged from the surrounding forests and opened indiscriminate fire using automatic weapons and grenades.
Authorities said the casualties included Indian nationals from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat, along with at least two foreign tourists. Helicopters were deployed to airlift the injured to Srinagar, while the Army and paramilitary forces swiftly cordoned off the area.
A group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance” has claimed responsibility for the massacre, stating it was aimed at disrupting India’s efforts to promote tourism and demographic integration in the region.
PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a high-profile diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the “cowardly and barbaric” act and announced he would return to India immediately.
“I am deeply pained by the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Innocent lives have been lost. This is an assault on humanity. I have decided to return to India to personally monitor the response,” Modi said in a statement from Riyadh.
The Prime Minister cancelled a scheduled state dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is expected to arrive in New Delhi by early Wednesday morning.
Global Condemnation
US President Donald Trump described the attack as “deeply disturbing and inhuman,” reaffirming full American support for India in its fight against terrorism.
“The US stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of India in this time of grief. These terrorists must be brought to justice. We mourn the loss of innocent lives,” he said.
The US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on an official visit to India, also issued a strong statement:
“Usha and I offer heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. This was a senseless act of terrorism against peace-loving people. The United States remains a committed partner in India’s fight against extremism.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement that the “brutal crime has no justification whatsoever.”
In a statement released by the Russian embassy, the Russian President Said: “Esteemed Mrs President, Esteemed Mr Prime Minister, kindly accept the sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, whose victims were civilians — citizens of various countries. This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face deserved punishment. I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed deep anguish over the attack:
“Italy condemns in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the Indian people. We stand united with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.”
Home Minister in Srinagar, Region on High Alert
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar in the evening to take stock of the situation. Following an emergency meeting with top security officials, he issued a firm statement:
“This cowardly attack on innocent tourists is a direct assault on the soul of India. We will identify and eliminate every terrorist involved. Our resolve is absolute.”
Search and cordon operations have been intensified across the Pahalgam-Anantnag belt. Special Forces, drones, and K9 units are being deployed in forested zones suspected to be hiding the attackers.
A Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism Revival
The attack comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley was witnessing a significant resurgence in tourism. Pahalgam, a cherished destination among domestic and international travelers, had seen record bookings this season.
With panic and grief sweeping through the region, tour operators and local businesses have suspended operations. There is growing anger across the country, with candlelight vigils and protests being held in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and elsewhere.
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