What Exactly Happened in the Pahalgam Attack
Baisaran is a popular destination, admired by several tourists, and a meadow in Pahalgam. However, this snow-capped area turned red on April 22 at around 01:30 pm when suddenly, a group of 2-3 unidentified gunmen, dressed in army fatigues, emerged from the dense forest and opened fire from close range. This resulted in the death of at least 28 during the Pahalgam attack, while the remaining were either left with injuries or fear for eternity.
Responsibility for this attack has been claimed by The Resistance Front, a shadow group under Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but the government statement confirming it is still awaited.
Survivors Describe the Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack has resulted in long-lasting fear among the survivors, as it was not just a crossfire but an execution. Screaming hard and shaking, they ran for their lives, and some didn’t even stop for 4 kilometres, as informed by an eyewitness to India Today.
Political Reactions
In light of the Jammu and Kashmir terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi on Tuesday. Accordingly, a meeting was held with the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday morning at the airport, and the Prime Minister was briefed about the situation related to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences with the victims affected by the Pahalgam attack and stated that those behind this heinous act would not be spared, bringing them to justice and mentioning that their evil agenda would not succeed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah enquired about the well-being of those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack by visiting the Anantnag Government Hospital today. Similarly, he paid tribute to the victims of this Jammu Kashmir attack in a solemn ceremony.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
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 (@AmitShah) April 22, 2025
Shesh Paul Vaid, the Former J&K DGP, reportedly calls this Jammu and Kashmir terror attack the ‘Pulwama 2 moment’ and a planned attack. The Pulwama attack took place in 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir when a vehicle carrying Indian security personnel was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber. This reportedly resulted in 40 Indian CRPF personnel’s martyrdom. However, the civilians were targeted in the Pahalgam terror attack, and thus, it is considered more condemnable.
Reactions By Global Leaders
✍🏻 Vladimir Putin:
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) April 22, 2025
Esteemed Mrs President,
Esteemed Mr Prime Minister,
Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack near the town of Pahalgam that claimed the lives of civilians — citizens of various countries.
My dear friend @narendramodi,
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 22, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families.
Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.
Profondamente addolorata per l’attacco terroristico avvenuto oggi in India, che ha causato numerose vittime. L’Italia esprime vicinanza alle famiglie colpite, ai feriti, al Governo e a tutto il popolo indiano.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 22, 2025
This afternoon I have spoken to my friend Prime Minister @narendramodi to offer my condolences on behalf of Australia following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 23, 2025
The horrific loss of life of innocent civilians is an act of senseless violence which has shocked the world.…
Reactions By the Common People
Besides the politicians and leaders, common people are also showing their opposition to terrorism. Considering the Pahalgam terror attack as the brutal one, Kashmir’s leading newspapers abandoned conventional designs and turned their front pages black with white headlines and red editorials on Wednesday.
#WATCH | J&K | Members of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) protest at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, against the Pahalgam terror attack pic.twitter.com/bqob4gAqKj
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
#WATCH | J&K | Search operation underway in Pahalgam following the #PahalgamTerroristAttack.
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
(Visuals deferred by unspecified time.) pic.twitter.com/XAIwIBv6et
Current Situation
The security in the Kashmir valley has reportedly been increased and strengthened since the Pahalgam terror attack. Checkpoints are established, and security personnel are deployed in the important areas. People and vehicles at several places are being checked for hidden weapons, and alertness is maintained at the tourist establishments. Similarly, more forces are deployed at the resort where the Pahalgam attack took place.
People are trying to escape the place, and the reason is known. Thus, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DCGA are working to arrange additional flights. The road is still considered unstable in places, but efforts are being made to let the vehicles leave and clear the stranded ones.