On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to over 20 others. This incident stands as the deadliest civilian massacre in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. (2025 Pahalgam attack)
🔍 The Attack: What Happened
Around 3 p.m., five armed militants, dressed in military-style uniforms and equipped with AK-47s and M4 carbines, emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding Baisaran Valley—a popular tourist destination accessible only by foot or horseback. They opened fire on a group of tourists, predominantly targeting male Hindu visitors. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants asked victims to recite Islamic verses and checked for circumcision to identify non-Muslims before executing them at close range. A local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain, was killed while attempting to protect the tourists. (2025 Pahalgam attack)
🕵️♂️ Investigation and Perpetrators
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to Indian government policies allowing non-locals to settle in Kashmir. However, TRF retracted its claim four days later, alleging a communications breach. (2025 Pahalgam attack)
Indian intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the mastermind behind the attack. Investigations have linked the assailants to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, Pakistan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, releasing sketches of three suspects and announcing a ₹60 lakh reward for information leading to their capture. (2025 Pahalgam attack)
🌍 Domestic and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a "heinous act" and vowed justice for the victims. The Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani diplomats, accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. Pakistan denied involvement and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace. (At least 26 tourists shot dead in Kashmir 'terror attack' after gunmen opened fire at beauty spot as manhunt launched, 2025 Pahalgam attack)
International leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with India. (Militants kill at least 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir)
📉 Impact on Tourism and Economy
The attack has severely impacted tourism in Kashmir, a region that had seen a resurgence in visitors, with over 3 million tourists in 2024. Following the incident, mass cancellations occurred, and airlines added return flights as tourists scrambled to leave. Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, expressed despair over the economic impact, describing the summer season as ruined. (Kashmir killings shatter Modi's tourism success in troubled region)
🧭 Looking Ahead
The Pahalgam attack underscores the persistent instability in the region and the challenges in ensuring the safety of civilians and tourists. As investigations continue and security measures are intensified, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threats posed by militant groups and the complexities of the Kashmir conflict.
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