Terror in Kashmir: 27 killed, including foreign tourists, as gunmen strike at Pahalgam; Amit Shah rushes to take control

In one of the most devastating attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, unidentified gunmen opened fire on tourists in the picturesque Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, leaving 27 people dead and over 20 others injured. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals and a serving officer of the Indian Navy. The ambush, which took place around 1:00 PM IST, is being widely condemned and has triggered heightened security responses across the Kashmir Valley.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar shortly after the incident to conduct high-level meetings with top civil and military officials. The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for what is now considered the worst civilian massacre in the region since the Pulwama bombing in 2019.

What happened during the Pahalgam terror attack?

The attack occurred at Baisaran, a high-altitude meadow accessible only by pony ride or foot from the main Pahalgam town. Tourists, many of whom were families and young children, were caught off-guard as multiple assailants opened fire indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and chaos as people fled in different directions, seeking shelter behind rocks and trees. Local pony handlers, many of whom acted heroically, helped evacuate victims to safety.

Initial assessments by the Jammu and Kashmir Police suggest that the attackers likely infiltrated from Kishtwar and navigated through Kokernag, eventually targeting the tourist group at Baisaran. Police officials revealed that the site’s limited access made it challenging to quickly deploy reinforcements, exacerbating the extent of the casualties. Security teams have since cordoned off the area and launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.

How has the Indian government responded?

Amit Shah, who was immediately briefed by the Home Ministry upon learning of the assault, cut short other scheduled engagements and landed in Srinagar by late afternoon. At the Raj Bhavan, Shah held an emergency meeting attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Police DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior intelligence and counter-terrorism officials.

Shah is reported to have directed security agencies to “neutralise the perpetrators with zero tolerance for cross-border terror.” He was also briefed on the emerging trend of attacks targeting civilian and tourist infrastructure, a concerning deviation from earlier tactics that primarily involved military or police targets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Saudi Arabia on an official diplomatic visit, was kept abreast of the developments and conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families. According to statements released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi has reiterated his stance that terrorism will be met with uncompromising force and that India will not be deterred in its commitment to peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Who was responsible for the Pahalgam attack?

Shortly after the incident, the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility via encrypted messaging platforms. The group, active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020, has increasingly targeted civilians to instill fear and disrupt the region’s economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector.

TRF’s growing presence is widely seen by security analysts as part of a broader shift in strategy by Pakistan-based terror groups, aimed at maintaining plausible deniability while continuing operations through decentralised outfits. Indian intelligence has consistently warned of such groups being used as a façade to avoid international scrutiny, especially as global pressure on Pakistan to curb terror financing has mounted under FATF guidelines.

Why was the tourist sector targeted?

The attack comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp rise in tourism. According to government data, over 2.2 million tourists visited Kashmir in the first quarter of 2025 alone—a 45% year-on-year increase. Tourism, long considered a soft target, has historically been avoided by militants seeking local support. However, the recent shift appears aimed at crippling one of the few thriving sectors in the region and driving fear among potential domestic and international visitors.

Baisaran, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland,” has become a high-traffic spot for leisure travellers and honeymooners. The selection of this site, remote yet symbolic, appears to be calculated, aiming to create maximum psychological and economic impact.

What’s next for security in Jammu and Kashmir?

Following the Pahalgam attack, security forces have been placed on high alert. Multiple checkpoints have been reinforced along the Anantnag-Pahalgam highway, and drone surveillance has been deployed over forested regions in south Kashmir. The Army and paramilitary units have also been instructed to increase visibility along known infiltration routes.

Senior officials have stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and Indian Army will jointly carry out coordinated search operations over the next 72 hours. The focus will be not just on apprehending the gunmen involved in this attack, but also on dismantling sleeper cells and logistical support networks that facilitated the operation.

The Ministry of Tourism has announced temporary suspensions of new bookings for travel to Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg pending fresh security audits. Meanwhile, local hotels and pony handler associations have pledged to cooperate fully with authorities.

How is the global community reacting?

The international response has been swift and unified. U.S. Vice President JD Vance offered condolences and termed the act as “a horrific crime against innocent civilians and an attack on freedom of movement.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed support, underscoring Israel’s “deep partnership with India in combating terror.”

The European Union and United Nations have urged restraint while calling on regional actors to support peace initiatives. However, India has made it clear that any dialogue on peace must be preceded by visible, verifiable actions to dismantle cross-border terror networks.

The assault on tourists at Pahalgam represents a deeply troubling reminder of the volatility that still looms in Kashmir, despite marked improvements in economic activity and political outreach. As the valley struggles to heal from yet another mass tragedy, the central government’s emphasis appears to be on fortifying both security and confidence. The challenge will be ensuring that terror does not succeed in derailing the fragile progress toward normalcy in one of India’s most geopolitically sensitive regions.