Onlykashmir.in News Desk
A devastating terrorist attack rocked the serene tourist haven of Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 28 civilians, including two foreign nationals, and injuring over 20 others. The attack, described as one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, has drawn widespread condemnation from Indian and global leaders.
According to officials, a group of five to six heavily armed terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, emerged from the dense forests surrounding the picturesque Baisaran Meadows, also known as “Mini Switzerland,” around 2:30 p.m. The assailants, dressed in military fatigues, opened indiscriminate fire on tourists who were enjoying horseback rides, picnicking, and soaking in the scenic beauty of the valley. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers singled out non-Muslims, checking identities and targeting victims based on religion before shooting them at close range.
Pallavi Rao, a survivor from Shivamogga, Karnataka, recounted the chilling moments when her husband, Manjunath Rao, was killed in front of her and their son. “They checked his ID, saw he was Hindu, and shot him point-blank,” she told reporters, her voice trembling. “One of them told me, ‘Go tell this to Modi,’ and spared us to spread their message.” Her husband was among the victims, which included a naval officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Haryana, who was on his honeymoon, and N. Ramachandran, a 65-year-old from Kochi.
The attack has left the nation reeling, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India. In a statement on X, Modi condemned the “heinous act,” vowing that “those behind this will be brought to justice” and emphasizing India’s “unshakable resolve” to fight terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah departed for Srinagar to review the security situation, while Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”
Global leaders expressed solidarity with India. U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack “barbaric.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the violence, extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Security forces have launched a massive counter-terrorism operation, with para commandos deployed to hunt the attackers. Entry and exit points to Pahalgam have been sealed, and a high-security cordon is in place. The Anantnag police have established a tourist helpdesk to assist affected families, and Air India is offering complimentary rescheduling and refunds for travel to the region until April 30, 2025.
Among the victims were six tourists from Maharashtra, a businessman from Karnataka, and a Malayali from Kerala, highlighting the diverse group of visitors targeted in the attack. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, expressing grief over the inclusion of Tamil Nadu victims, called the attack a “barbaric act that shocks the conscience.”
The attack comes at a time when Kashmir was witnessing a surge in tourism, with thousands flocking to Pahalgam’s lush meadows and snow-capped mountains. The sudden violence has raised concerns about security in the region, especially as the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which passes through Pahalgam, began offline registration on April 15.
Local residents, who rely heavily on tourism, expressed distress over the impact. “This is a big loss for us. Our source of income has been snatched,” said Mohammad Umar, a local vendor, in a video shared by ANI. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with tourists and locals scattering in panic as gunfire echoed through the valley. A tour guide, Waheed, told Al Jazeera he helped transport the wounded on horseback, noting that the attackers appeared to spare women.
As the nation mourns, political leaders across party lines have united in condemning the attack. BJP President J.P. Nadda called the targeting of civilians “highly reprehensible,” while Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge labeled it a “blot on humanity.” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose state lost a citizen, convened an emergency meeting to coordinate support for victims’ families.
The Pahalgam attack, likened by some to the 2008 Mumbai attacks due to its scale and targeting of civilians, has reignited debates over security measures in Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence sources suspect the terrorists, believed to be of Pakistani origin, infiltrated the region days before the attack. The Resistance Front’s claim of responsibility has further intensified calls for decisive action against cross-border terrorism.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and support to the bereaved. The nation stands united in grief, with prayers for the departed and hopes for the swift recovery of those wounded in this tragic assault on one of India’s most cherished destinations.
