Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir — In a devastating act of violence, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing at least 28 people and injuring over 20 others. The attack, which occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on April 22, 2025, is considered one of the most lethal assaults on civilians in the region in recent years.
The Attack
According to eyewitnesses, four to six gunmen dressed in military-style camouflage emerged from the forested area of Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination accessible only by foot or pony. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately on the crowd, targeting both Indian and foreign nationals. Among the victims were 24 Indian tourists from various states, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates .
Survivors reported that the attackers demanded victims recite Islamic verses and checked for circumcision marks to identify and spare Muslims, ensuring that non-Muslim tourists were the primary targets. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos, with victims pleading for help and local residents rushing to assist the wounded. Members of the local Ponywalla association rescued several injured tourists using ponies and improvised stretchers .
Casualties and Victims
The death toll includes a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer, Vinay Narwal, who had been married just six days prior to the attack. Other notable victims include Shah Adil Hussain, the sole breadwinner of his family, who was killed in the assault . The injured have been transported to various hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar, with some requiring airlifting due to the severity of their injuries. This attack stands as one of the deadliest in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370—shattering the silence and piercing the heart of a land known for its beauty and peace.
Security Measures and Ongoing
Investigation
In response to the attack, Indian security forces have launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators. A joint cordon and search operation involving local police and the Indian Army has been initiated in the area. Helicopters have been deployed to locate the attackers, and a temporary lockdown has been imposed in parts of Pahalgam .
The Indian Army has been granted limited clearance to operate HAL Dhruv helicopters for counter-terrorism operations, while the rest of the fleet remains grounded . Authorities have also established a helpline to assist affected tourists and provide information on safety measures.
Local Community Response
Despite the tragedy, the local community has shown remarkable resilience. Residents of Pahalgam and nearby areas have come forward to assist the victims, providing shelter, medical aid, and transportation. Their swift response has been credited with saving numerous lives and demonstrating the strength of community solidarity in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, a region marked by political turmoil and insurgent activity. While the immediate focus remains on providing aid to the victims and apprehending those responsible, the incident underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the underlying issues fueling violence in the region. As the investigation continues, the people of Kashmir and the broader Indian populace await justice for the victims and hope for a future free from such senseless acts of terror
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