At Least 28 Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack

On Tuesday, April 23, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 28 people, including several tourists. This is the deadliest attack in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, and it has shaken the nation. The remote location of the attack, often referred to as “mini-Switzerland” for its natural beauty, made rescue operations difficult. Victims, mostly tourists, were targeted by gunmen who opened fire indiscriminately. The attackers are believed to have links with Pakistan-backed terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF).

PM Modi Cuts Saudi Trip Short, Returns to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, immediately cut short his trip and returned to India to address the crisis. He held an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to review the situation. Prime Minister Modi directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that all necessary measures were taken to assist the victims and prevent further attacks. The Home Minister Amit Shah has been in Jammu and Kashmir, where he met with local leaders and assessed the security situation.

Terrorists Identified: Moosa, Yunus, and Asif

In the aftermath of the attack, authorities released photos of the terrorists involved, identified by the code names “Moosa,” “Yunus,” and “Asif.” The attack appears to have been a coordinated operation, and intelligence reports suggest the involvement of terror groups operating out of Pakistan, such as LeT and TRF. These groups have been known to target civilians in the region as part of their broader strategy to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir.

Reactions from Political Leaders and Global Figures

The terrorist attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders both in India and abroad. Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack, stating, “With a heavy heart, I paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared.” Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences for the death of Shubham Dwivedi, a Kanpur resident who was among the victims. CM Adityanath pledged full support to the grieving family.

International reactions also came swiftly. The Prime Minister of Bhutan strongly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with India. French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack “heinous” and reaffirmed France’s support for India’s fight against terrorism. Pakistan, on the other hand, expressed condolences for the loss of life, though its response has been met with skepticism by Indian officials who accuse Pakistan of continuing to support terrorist activities in the region.

Security Measures and Evacuation Efforts

Given the remote location of Baisaran Valley, rescue efforts were challenging. Local authorities deployed helicopters to evacuate the wounded, and nearby villages used ponies to help carry the injured to the nearest hospital. At least 12 tourists were hospitalized in Pahalgam, where doctors confirmed that all were stable. Meanwhile, state and central security forces have increased patrols in the region, and an investigation is underway to identify the full extent of the terrorist network responsible for the attack.

Condemnations and Calls for Accountability

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has also condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism that must be thoroughly investigated. CPI(M) leaders called on the central government to take strict action against the perpetrators and to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. At the same time, political leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi have criticized the central government’s handling of intelligence and security, calling the attack an “intelligence failure” and demanding accountability.

Ex-Gratia Announced for Victims

In response to the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced ex-gratia payments of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for those seriously injured. The Chief Minister emphasized that no amount of financial assistance could replace the loss of loved ones but reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.

International Community Urged to Act Against Terrorism

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) issued a strong condemnation of the attack, urging the global community to take action against Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism in the region. The UKPNP’s statement called on international bodies like the United Nations to take stronger measures against Pakistan’s continued support for jihadist groups that operate in Kashmir.

Category: National News, Terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, Politics
Tags: Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir violence, Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Baisaran Valley, PM Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Lashkar-e-Taiba, TRF attack, intelligence failure, Pakistan-backed terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir news, national security