In a deeply tragic incident, 26 tourists were killed and at least 17 injured in a terror attack on April 22, 2025, at Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which took place in the afternoon, has shocked the nation and drawn global condemnation.
Eyewitnesses and officials revealed that four gunmen disguised in army uniforms opened fire at close range on tourists who were riding ponies and enjoying the scenic valley. The attackers allegedly posed as security personnel and asked people to recite religious verses before opening fire. Among the deceased were 24 Indian tourists, two local residents, and reportedly one foreign national. A young Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official also lost their lives in the brutal assault.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. They described it as revenge for alleged demographic changes in Kashmir. The use of fake military attire and targeting of unarmed civilians has drawn comparisons with past high-casualty attacks like the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on an official visit, immediately cut his trip short and returned to India to handle the situation. After landing in New Delhi, PM Modi held an emergency meeting at the airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar and reviewed the situation with top officials.
Security forces have since launched a massive manhunt across South Kashmir, with a focus on the forested areas near Baisaran. Checkpoints have been set up and drone surveillance intensified.
Global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UAE authorities, have strongly condemned the attack. Many have offered support to India in its fight against terrorism. Indian citizens, especially from the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat, are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
The attack has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas that have seen a boom in tourism over recent years. Baisaran meadow, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland,” was supposed to be a safe haven for travelers. Instead, it became the site of one of the deadliest civilian attacks in recent memory.
As investigations continue and the nation grieves, the government has vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The Pahalgam terror attack has not only shattered families but also shaken the country’s sense of security in a region that was slowly regaining peace.
(with agency inputs)
