Deadly Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Deadly Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and KashmirAl Jazeera+7Wikipedia+7Latest news & breaking headlines+7
On April 22, 2025, a tragic terrorist attack unfolded in the serene Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 28 individuals and injuries to over 20 others. The victims included Indian tourists from various states, two locals, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Wikipedia
The assailants, reportedly four to six militants affiliated with The Resistance Front, emerged from nearby forests and indiscriminately opened fire on tourists enjoying the picturesque meadow. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of chaos, with gunmen targeting individuals at close range. Some survivors reported that the attackers demanded victims recite religious verses and checked for circumcision, indicating a deliberate targeting of non-Muslims. Reuters+5Wikipedia+5CNN+5
This attack marks one of the deadliest on civilians in the region since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility, citing opposition to alleged demographic changes in the valley due to the settlement of outsiders. Wikipedia+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia, convened emergency meetings, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar to assess the situation, while security forces launched extensive search operations, detaining numerous suspects. Reuters+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1
The international community condemned the attack, with leaders from the United States, Russia, and the European Union expressing solidarity with India. The incident has reignited concerns over security in the region and the ongoing insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the implications of this heinous act of violence.
Attacker Sketch Released
In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have released a sketch of one of the prime suspects based on eyewitness descriptions. Authorities are seeking public assistance in identifying the individual. Rewards have been announced for any information leading to arrests. Security forces are using the sketch to aid their ongoing manhunt in the dense forests surrounding Pahalgam.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the implications of this heinous act of violence.
