Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Tourists Killed in Kashmir's Deadliest Civilian Assault Since 2008

In a devastating escalation of violence, 26 tourists were killed and at least 17 others injured in a militant attack on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the deadliest civilian assault in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. ​

The Attack

The assault occurred in Baisaran, often referred to as "mini Switzerland" for its scenic meadows and panoramic views, approximately six kilometers from Pahalgam. Four gunmen opened fire at close range on a group of tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. Seventeen others sustained injuries. 

Perpetrators and Motive

A little-known group called "Kashmir Resistance" claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to the settlement of over 85,000 outsiders, which they allege alters the region's demographics. Indian authorities suspect the group is a front for Pakistan-based militants like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi curtailed his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi to convene a high-level security meeting. Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation and meet with victims' families. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been deployed to investigate the attack. 

International Condemnation

The attack drew widespread international condemnation. U.S. President JD Vance, who was on a state visit to India at the time, expressed solidarity with the victims. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also denounced the attack.

In a tragic turn of events, the serene town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the deadliest civilian attacks in recent Indian history. On April 22, 2025, armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, often referred to as the "mini Switzerland" of India. The brutal attack left 26 people dead and 17 others injured, sending shockwaves across the nation and the world.

According to officials, the attackers—believed to be affiliated with a newly emerged group called "Kashmir Resistance"—targeted unarmed civilians in broad daylight. The group later claimed responsibility, citing opposition to the settlement of non-locals in the region. However, Indian security agencies suspect that the real perpetrators may be Pakistan-backed terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hizbul Mujahideen operating under a new name.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and cut short his foreign visit to oversee emergency operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Jammu and Kashmir, assuring swift action and justice. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been deployed to conduct a full-scale investigation into the attack.

The incident has deeply impacted tourism in Kashmir, which was slowly recovering after years of unrest. Airlines arranged special evacuation flights, and a Kashmir Bandh was called in protest. Security has been tightened across the region, with joint patrols by the Indian Army, CRPF, and local police.

This attack marks the deadliest civilian assault since the 2008 Mumbai attacks and serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the valley. As investigations continue, the country mourns the loss of innocent lives and calls for unity against terror.

Impact on Tourism and Security

The attack has severely impacted tourism in the region, with airlines like Air India and IndiGo adding emergency flights to evacuate tourists. A Kashmir Bandh was called on April 23 in response to the attack. Security has been heightened across the Kashmir Valley, with joint operations by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

Historical Context

This attack is the most significant targeting of civilians in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike. It underscores the persistent tensions in Kashmir, which have been ongoing since the revocation of the region's special status in 2019. The broader Kashmir dispute, rooted in the 1947 partition of India and subsequent wars between India and Pakistan, continues to fuel ongoing insurgency and geopolitical tensions in the region.