Breaking: At Least 28 Killed in Devastating Pahalgam Terror Attack; PM Modi and Amit Shah Respond

In a tragic and shocking incident, a terror attack rocked the serene Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 28 people, including tourists from across India and abroad. The attack, executed by gunmen wielding automatic rifles, has plunged the nation into mourning and drawn widespread condemnation from leaders and citizens alike. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, official responses, and the ongoing efforts to address this tragedy.

Details of the Pahalgam kashmir Terror Attack

The attack occurred in the early afternoon of April 22, 2025, in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, a popular trekking destination approximately 5 kilometers from Pahalgam’s main resort town. According to reports from The Hindu, gunmen believed to be militants emerged from the dense forests surrounding the valley and opened fire indiscriminately on a group of tourists. The assault resulted in a high casualty count, with at least 28 fatalities and 13 injuries reported.

Victims and Casualties

The victims included a diverse group of individuals:

• Foreign Tourists: Two tourists from Italy and Israel were among the deceased.

• Indian Citizens: Victims hailed from states such as Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Notable among them was Senior Section Engineer Atul Mone from Central Railway’s Parel Workshop.

• Military Personnel: Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer posted in Kochi, was killed while on leave.

• Injured: Thirteen individuals sustained injuries, with four treated at Anantnag hospital and one critically injured person transferred to Srinagar for advanced care. Many others with minor injuries have been discharged.

The attack’s scale has been described by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” highlighting its unprecedented nature in targeting tourists (The Hindu).

Perpetrators

Indian authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist attack, with The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claiming responsibility (Wikipedia). The TRF’s involvement marks this as the deadliest civilian attack in the Kashmir Valley since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019.

Government Response and Official Statements

The Indian government has responded swiftly to the crisis, with top leaders condemning the attack and outlining measures to address the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip to return to India and manage the response. In an X post, he expressed his condolences and resolve to ensure justice: “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice” (PM Modi X Post). Modi also spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, directing him to visit the attack site and take necessary measures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar on April 22, 2025, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, to conduct an urgent security review meeting with relevant agencies. In his X post, Shah stated, “Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences” (Amit Shah X Post). Shah’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the security lapse and preventing future incidents.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock and outrage, describing the perpetrators as “animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.” In an X post, he noted the attack’s unprecedented scale and extended sympathies to the affected families (The Hindu). Abdullah also met with Home Minister Shah in Srinagar to brief him on the situation and coordinate response efforts.

Other Official Reactions

• Vice President of India: Expressed sorrow over the attack, calling it “horrific” and offering condolences to the affected families (Times of India).

• International Condemnations: Ambassadors from the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, with UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali and Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar expressing solidarity with India (Times of India, India Today). The Saudi Crown Prince also offered assistance during diplomatic discussions (Times of India).

Emergency Measures and Security Response

In response to the attack, the Indian government and local authorities have implemented several measures to address the immediate aftermath and prevent further incidents.

Security Operations

• Anti-Terror Operations: Security forces, including the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have launched a large-scale operation to track down the attackers. The area around Baisaran Valley has been cordoned off for investigation (Times of India).

• Increased Security: Additional security measures have been deployed across the Jammu region to safeguard other tourist destinations and prevent similar attacks (The Hindu).

• NIA Involvement: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to take over the case, with senior officials scheduled to visit Pahalgam to investigate (India Today).

Emergency Support

To assist those affected, authorities have provided emergency contact numbers:

• Anantnag Police Help Desk: 9596777669, 01932225870, Whatsapp: 9419051940

• Emergency Control Room Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651

• ADC Srinagar: 7006058623

Helicopters and local ponies were used to evacuate the injured from the remote Baisaran meadows, with medical facilities in Anantnag and Srinagar treating the wounded (Times of India).

Public and Community Reaction

The attack has sparked widespread grief and outrage across India and beyond. In Pahalgam, locals organized a candle march to honor the victims, reflecting the community’s solidarity and sorrow (The Hindu). Social media platforms, particularly X, have seen an outpouring of condolences and calls for justice, with prominent figures and citizens alike condemning the violence.

Notable Public Reactions

• BJP Leader Ravinder Raina: Blamed Pakistani terrorists for the attack, calling for a strong response (Times of India).

• Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti: Condemned the attack and urged a thorough investigation to improve security measures (Times of India).

• International Leaders: U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to speak with PM Modi to offer condolences, indicating global attention to the incident (Times of India).

srinagar to pahalgam

Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and as a starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, has long been a popular tourist destination. Despite a decline in militant activities in recent years, the region has experienced sporadic violence. The April 22 attack occurred during a period of increased tourism, making it particularly devastating srinagar to pahalgam

This incident marks a significant escalation in violence, as it is the deadliest civilian attack in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike (NDTV). The targeting of tourists, including foreigners, raises concerns about the safety of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, a critical economic driver for the region.

Table: Key Details of the Pahalgam Terror Attack

Conclusion

The Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, is a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. The loss of 28 lives, including tourists and a naval officer, has shaken the nation and prompted a robust response from the government. As security forces work to apprehend the perpetrators and authorities enhance safety measures, the incident underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

The resolve expressed by leaders like PM Modi and Home Minister Shah, coupled with the solidarity shown by the public, reflects India’s determination to overcome this tragedy. As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the focus remains on delivering justice and restoring peace to the region.

Key Citations:

• The Hindu: Pahalgam terror attack details

• The Hindu: Omar Abdullah on Pahalgam attack

• Times of India: Initial report on Pahalgam attack

• Times of India: Live updates on Pahalgam attack

• NDTV: Navy officer among 26 killed

• NDTV: Kashmir terror attack updates

• India Today: Pahalgam terror attack live updates

• Wikipedia: 2025 Pahalgam attack overview

• X Post: PM Narendra Modi condemns attack

• X Post: Amit Shah on Pahalgam attack

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