Over 20 Killed in Attack on Tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam
Pahalgam, Kashmir | April 22, 2025 – A brutal attack on tourists in Kashmir has left at least two dozen dead and many more injured after gunmen opened fire in the scenic Himalayan town of Pahalgam, often called the “Switzerland of India.” The mass shooting targeted domestic tourists in Baisaran, a mountaintop meadow about 5 kilometers from the town center.
Authorities confirm this is one of the deadliest civilian attacks in years in Indian-administered Kashmir, a region long marred by conflict and insurgency.
🔥 Details of the Attack
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers ambushed a group of tourists on Tuesday afternoon. The victims were unarmed civilians enjoying a guided tour of Baisaran when gunmen opened fire indiscriminately.
Videos circulating on social media (yet to be verified by the BBC) depict harrowing scenes of chaos, with bodies lying across the meadow and survivors pleading for help. Witnesses report that the gunmen may have singled out non-Muslim tourists, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Authorities say vehicles cannot reach the site, delaying rescue operations. Injured victims were airlifted and taken to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar. The area is now cordoned off, with Indian troops and police conducting a joint search operation.
🌐 Global Outrage and Condemnation
The attack on tourists in Kashmir has drawn strong condemnation from international leaders:
- US President Donald Trump described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and affirmed that “the United States stands strong with India against terrorism.”
- EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen called it a “vile terrorist attack.”
- Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences and labeled the act a “brutal crime.”
- Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the loss of life and offered condolences, though tensions remain high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
🛑 India’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and vowed justice, saying:
“Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will only grow stronger.”
Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar hours after the attack to lead an emergency security meeting. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that the army and special forces have been deployed to secure the area and track down those responsible.
🕊️ Pahalgam: From Tourist Haven to Target
Pahalgam is one of India’s most visited hill destinations, welcoming 3.5 million tourists in 2024 alone, according to official data. Until now, the region had seen relatively few attacks on tourists—even amid decades of insurgency.
Tuesday’s mass shooting marks a significant escalation, reminiscent of the June 2024 attack on Hindu pilgrims that left nine dead and over 30 injured, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 46 soldiers and triggered military tensions with Pakistan.
📌 A Troubled Region
The Himalayan territory has been at the heart of a bitter dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. Despite a decline in violence since Article 370 was revoked in 2019, tensions remain high. Over 500,000 Indian troops are stationed in the region, and separatist sentiments persist.
The Kashmir insurgency, which began in 1989, has claimed tens of thousands of lives—both civilian and military.
📅 What’s Next?
No group has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack yet. Protests and security alerts have been announced across Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy military presence and roadblocks in place as investigations continue.
For now, the region remains on edge, grappling with the shock of an attack on the very people it sought to welcome as part of a renewed push for tourism and economic revival.
