Posted on April 23, 2025
The picturesque Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by a brutal terrorist attack that left at least 28 people dead and more than 20 injured, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in recent memory.
The Attack
At about 2:30 PM, a group of militants, suspected to be from The Resistance Front (TRF), a splinter group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, fired at a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow. The spot, which is famous for its scenic beauty and is referred to as “mini Switzerland,” was filled with tourists taking advantage of the pleasant weather.
Witnesses indicated that the assailants came from surrounding forests, first disguising themselves as security agents. They requested identification and, in a few instances, required people to recite scriptures to identify their religion. Those who could not comply were shot at point-blank range.
Casualties and Victims
The 24 Indian tourists from different states, two Jammu and Kashmir locals, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates are part of the toll. Among them were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. Over 20 people were injured, including from states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
Motive Behind the Attack
The TRF was responsible for claiming the attack and stated their motive as being the opposition to settlement of more than 85,000 “outsiders” within the state as they feel the demographic challenge presented by such influx. The response is symptomatic of deeper reservations among certain factions regarding the demography in Kashmir after Article 370 was scrapped in 2019.
Response and Reactions
The attack has been universally condemned by political leaders and the global community. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the violence, vowing that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah went to Srinagar to evaluate the situation and oversee the security response.
World leaders such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the attack and showed their solidarity with India. The United Nations and the European Union made statements denouncing the attack and expressing their condolence to the victims.
Security Measures and Investigation
After the attack, security forces initiated a joint search and cordon operation with local police and the Indian Army. Helicopters were used to track down the attackers, and there was a temporary lockdown in areas of Pahalgam.
The authorities are probing the incident, and they are particularly looking into the role of the TRF and whether there is any cross-border connection. The attack has triggered renewed debate about security arrangements and the safety of tourists in the area.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam terror attack is a grim reminder of the continuing pitfalls in Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights the importance of increased security and vigilance to shield civilians and ensure peace in the area. As investigations are ongoing, one hopes that those culpable in this dastardly act will be brought to justice at the earliest opportunity.