"Terror in Paradise: 26 Killed in Kashmir Tourist Attack"



Deadly Attack on Tourists in Kashmir Shakes India

In a tragic and shocking event, 26 tourists were killed and 17 others injured in a suspected militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, an area popular for its breathtaking beauty and adventure sports.

According to police, this is the worst attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It comes at a time when Kashmir was experiencing a tourism boom after years of relative calm.

What Happened?

Gunmen opened fire at three different spots in Baisaran Valley. Among the dead were 25 Indian tourists and one visitor from Nepal. Police believe the attackers used automatic weapons and one may have even worn a body camera. Over 1,000 tourists and hundreds of local workers were present in the area during the attack.

A militant group calling itself the "Kashmir Resistance" claimed responsibility. In a statement, the group claimed that the people targeted were not ordinary tourists but undercover agents. Authorities, however, have dismissed these claims, saying the victims were civilians enjoying a holiday.

Who’s Behind the Attack?

Indian security forces say the “Kashmir Resistance” is likely a front for well-known Pakistan-based militant organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have long been accused of fueling violence in Kashmir. Pakistan denies arming or training militants but says it supports Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Political Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also canceled her overseas visit to be present in India during this national crisis. A special security meeting was held with top officials to discuss the situation.

The attack is a major blow to Modi’s government, which has often highlighted the region’s improving peace and development since revoking Kashmir’s special status in 2019. That move allowed outsiders to buy land and apply for jobs in Kashmir, which some groups believe is changing the region’s demographics.

Local Reaction and Shutdown

The incident sparked outrage across the Kashmir Valley. Over a dozen local organizations called for a complete shutdown to mourn and protest the violence. Schools closed, streets were empty, and protest marches were held in several towns with slogans like “Stop killing innocents” and “Tourists are our lifeline.”

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, “We are ashamed. Kashmir is ashamed.” Current Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed sorrow as tourists rushed to leave the valley.

Tourism Hit Hard

Kashmir has seen record numbers of tourists in recent years, with over 3.5 million visitors in 2024 alone. The attack has cast a shadow over the region’s busy summer season. Airlines added extra flights to help tourists leave, and many hotels reported cancellations. Authorities have also asked airlines to waive rescheduling fees due to the surge in demand.

Despite this setback, local tourism bodies remain hopeful. “We will not let fear win,” said Shamim Shah of the Travel Agents Federation of India’s Kashmir unit.

Ongoing Investigation

Security forces launched a large-scale search operation in the forests around Pahalgam. They released sketches of three of the four suspects and detained about 100 people for questioning. The attackers reportedly wore traditional clothing and blended in with locals, making identification more difficult.

A Long History of Conflict

Kashmir has been at the heart of a bitter conflict between India and Pakistan since 1947. The region has seen decades of insurgency, killing thousands of civilians, soldiers, and militants. While violence had declined in recent years, incidents like this remind the world that peace in Kashmir remains fragile.

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