A peaceful afternoon in the famed Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of unsuspecting tourists, killing at least 26 people and injuring several others. The Pahalgam terrorist attack 2025 marks one of the most devastating assaults on civilians in the Kashmir Valley since the abrogation of Article 370.
According to officials, the attack unfolded at approximately 3:45 PM, when armed militants descended from the dense forests that surround Baisaran—a serene, picturesque hilltop often called the “Mini Switzerland” of India. The meadow, nestled about five kilometers uphill from Pahalgam town and accessible only on foot or pony, was bustling with tourists amid the ongoing spring travel season.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted across the grassy knoll. “People screamed and ran in all directions. Many tripped while trying to flee. It was pure panic,” recounted a local pony handler who helped evacuate injured tourists using makeshift stretchers.
Among the 26 victims were two foreign nationals, believed to be from Southeast Asia, though their identities have not yet been publicly confirmed. More than a dozen others sustained injuries and are currently being treated at hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
A Region Caught Off Guard Amid Growing Peace
Pahalgam has long stood as a crown jewel of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry—a serene retreat surrounded by towering pine forests, glacial rivers, and snow-capped peaks. It also serves as a starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
In recent years, the region had seen a visible return to normalcy. Following the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, security forces had intensified counterinsurgency operations, and militant activity had been on a relative decline.
However, the Pahalgam terrorist attack 2025 signals a sharp and shocking reversal of that fragile peace.
India’s Response: ‘Cowardly and Inhuman’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the attack a “barbaric act of terror” and pledged swift justice. “India will not bow to terror. The perpetrators will be found and punished,” he said in a late-night press conference.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew into Srinagar hours after the attack to coordinate a high-level security response. A multi-agency manhunt is currently underway, with the army, CRPF, and local police combing the forested regions surrounding Pahalgam in search of the attackers.
President Droupadi Murmu labeled the assault a “dastardly and inhuman act,” extending her condolences to the families of the deceased.
Political leaders across party lines expressed horror. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said it was an “act of cowardice,” while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi called it a “crime against humanity.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, visibly shaken, stated, “This is more than a terror strike. It’s a message, and one we must respond to with unity, not fear.”
International Condemnation and Solidarity
Global leaders also voiced their sorrow. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed heartfelt condolences, affirming Israel’s solidarity with India in combating terrorism.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on an official visit to India, said he was “deeply saddened by the horrific loss of life,” and offered America’s support in the wake of the tragedy.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigations
As of now, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terrorist attack 2025, but Indian security forces are pointing toward Pakistan-based outfits known for targeting civilians. The precision and location of the assault suggest premeditated planning and local logistical support.
“We are analyzing mobile signals, surveillance footage from the town, and speaking to eyewitnesses. We are not ruling out anything,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigation.
A helpline has been set up to assist families of the victims, and the local administration has announced compensation for the deceased and injured.
Also Read : Hariharan Krishna: Redefining Discipline from Naval Diver to National Athlete