On April 22, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of its deadliest terror attacks in recent years when militants opened fire on tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district. The assault, carried out by four gunmen from the Pakistan-based militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including 26 Indians and two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal. Several others were injured in the mass shooting that shocked the nation and the world.
The militants descended from the surrounding forests and targeted a group of tourists enjoying the picturesque valley, a popular destination known as "mini Switzerland" and a gateway for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. The attack caused panic and chaos as visitors scrambled for safety in the remote meadow accessible only by foot or pony. Local residents and security forces quickly responded, evacuating the wounded to nearby hospitals.
In the immediate aftermath, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the “heinous and dastardly” attack. Demonstrating the gravity of the situation, PM Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia trip and announced his return to India. He assured the nation that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah promptly flew to Srinagar to oversee the security response and coordinate the manhunt for the attackers. Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, with Abdullah calling it “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” Security forces launched an extensive operation to track down the militants responsible for the massacre.
The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to Indian administration and demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has intensified political tensions and renewed calls for stronger counter-terrorism measures in the region.
The attack drew widespread condemnation not only within India but also internationally. Leaders from countries including Israel, Russia, the UAE, and the United States expressed solidarity with India and condemned the act of terror. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Russian President Vladimir Putin, UAE Foreign Ministry, and US officials extended condolences to victims’ families and reaffirmed their support in the fight against terrorism.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile peace and its efforts to revive tourism after years of militancy. It also comes just months before the start of the Amarnath pilgrimage season, raising concerns about security for pilgrims and tourists alike.