Published: April 24, 2025 | By News Desk
Indian security forces inspect the site of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 23, 2025.
On April 22, 2025, a horrific terror attack shook the serene Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack, which claimed the lives of 28 people, mostly tourists, has been labeled one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Kashmir in recent years. The incident, attributed to Pakistan-linked terrorists, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, pushing the two nuclear-armed nations toward a diplomatic and potentially military standoff.
What Happened in Pahalgam?
The attack occurred on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, often called "Mini Switzerland" for its stunning beauty.
The attack occurred on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, often called "Mini Switzerland" for its stunning beauty.
A group of five to six heavily armed terrorists opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, including families, newlyweds, and children, who were enjoying the scenic valley. The attackers, wearing helmet-mounted cameras, filmed the assault, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, leaving 28 dead and 12 injured.
The victims included Indian tourists from states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as two foreign nationals and an Indian Air Force corporal, Tage Hailyang, from Arunachal Pradesh. The absence of security forces (www.newsbell7.in) in the remote meadow, accessible only by foot or horseback, delayed rescue operations, contributing to the high casualty count.
"It was a military-precision planned operation... It has been planned by the Pakistan Army, and they have only sent people to execute on the ground," said Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (Retd), Former GOC 15 Corps, Kashmir.Who Was Behind the Attack"
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence agencies identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top LeT commander, along with two operatives based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as the masterminds.
The victims included Indian tourists from states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as two foreign nationals and an Indian Air Force corporal, Tage Hailyang, from Arunachal Pradesh. The absence of security forces (www.newsbell7.in) in the remote meadow, accessible only by foot or horseback, delayed rescue operations, contributing to the high casualty count.
"It was a military-precision planned operation... It has been planned by the Pakistan Army, and they have only sent people to execute on the ground," said Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (Retd), Former GOC 15 Corps, Kashmir.Who Was Behind the Attack"
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence agencies identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top LeT commander, along with two operatives based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as the masterminds.
Security agencies released sketches of three suspected Pakistani terrorists—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—who were involved in the attack and had prior records of terror activities in Poonch.
Indian officials and analysts, including security expert Sushant Sareen, have pointed to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and army as the orchestrators, calling the attack a deliberate provocation to destabilize the region.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khwaja Asif, denied any involvement, but India dismissed these claims, citing a history of Pakistan-backed militancy in Kashmir.
India’s Response: Diplomatic and Military MeasuresThe attack prompted a swift and aggressive response from India. On April 23, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, leading to a series of punitive
Measures against Pakistan:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India announced it would hold the 1960 treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters, "in abeyance with immediate effect," a move Pakistan called "water warfare."
Diplomatic Downgrade: India expelled Pakistani diplomats, issued a Persona Non Grata notice to Pakistan’s top envoy, and capped diplomatic mission staff at 30 by May 1, 2025. Pakistan was ordered to recall its nationals from India within 48 hours.
Border and Visa Restrictions: India closed the Attari-Wagah border post and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, revoking existing visas by April 27, 2025.
Military Posturing: The Indian Navy test-fired a missile from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea, seen as a warning to Pakistan. The Indian Army also foiled an infiltration bid in Baramulla, killing two militants on April 23.
In a speech in Bihar on April 24, PM Modi vowed to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth,” emphasizing that those responsible, and their backers, would face severe consequences. He refrained from naming Pakistan directly but left no doubt about India’s resolve.
PM Narendra Modi vows justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack during a speech in Bihar on April 24, 2025.
PM Narendra Modi vows justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack during a speech in Bihar on April 24, 2025.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Escalation Fears
Pakistan condemned the attack but referred to the region as “illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” further straining relations.
In response to India’s measures, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met to plan a counter-strategy. Pakistan issued a no-fly zone in the Arabian Sea for a surface-to-surface missile test on April 24-25, signaling military readiness. Unusual aerial activity, including AWACS flights near the Indian border, was also reported.
Security analyst Sushant Sareen warned that the attack could be a “tipping point,” urging India to retaliate decisively to maintain deterrence. He suggested ending the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire and targeting PoK, though he cautioned against underestimating Pakistan’s response. Analysts fear the situation could spiral into a military confrontation, given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Security analyst Sushant Sareen warned that the attack could be a “tipping point,” urging India to retaliate decisively to maintain deterrence. He suggested ending the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire and targeting PoK, though he cautioned against underestimating Pakistan’s response. Analysts fear the situation could spiral into a military confrontation, given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Local and Global Reactions
In Kashmir, locals expressed outrage, with protests along the Jhelum River in Srinagar condemning the attack. Political leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Sajad Lone called for unity and justice, emphasizing that the attack targeted “Kashmiriyat”—the region’s ethos of harmony.
In Kashmir, locals expressed outrage, with protests along the Jhelum River in Srinagar condemning the attack. Political leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Sajad Lone called for unity and justice, emphasizing that the attack targeted “Kashmiriyat”—the region’s ethos of harmony.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police offered a Rs 20 lakh reward for information on the attackers.
Internationally, leaders from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the UK condemned the attack. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and Nepal’s PM, K P Sharma Oli, expressed solidarity with India. However, concerns were raised about rising anti-Muslim sentiment in India, with Indian TV channels framing the attack as a Hindu-Muslim issue, prompting calls for restraint from leaders like Mehbooba Mufti.
Internationally, leaders from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the UK condemned the attack. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and Nepal’s PM, K P Sharma Oli, expressed solidarity with India. However, concerns were raised about rising anti-Muslim sentiment in India, with Indian TV channels framing the attack as a Hindu-Muslim issue, prompting calls for restraint from leaders like Mehbooba Mufti.
Impact on Kashmir and Beyond:-
The attack has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism industry, a key economic driver. Locals fear a return to violence, undermining recent progress in peace and development.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) condemned the attack but accused the ruling BJP of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, while the BJP emphasized a united front against terrorism.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised concerns about regional stability, as water-sharing is a critical issue for both nations. Anti-Pakistan protests in Delhi and other Indian cities have fueled fears of communal polarization, particularly against Kashmiri Muslims.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised concerns about regional stability, as water-sharing is a critical issue for both nations. Anti-Pakistan protests in Delhi and other Indian cities have fueled fears of communal polarization, particularly against Kashmiri Muslims.
What Lies Ahead ?
The Pahalgam massacre has plunged India-Pakistan relations into a deep crisis. With both nations taking provocative steps—India’s diplomatic offensive and Pakistan’s military posturing—the region stands on edge. The international community, including the US, which issued a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, is watching closely to prevent escalation.
For the families of the victims, the grief is unimaginable. As India mourns, the call for justice grows louder. The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the deceased’s families and support for the injured. But beyond compensation, the nation demands accountability and a future free from such tragedies.
The Pahalgam massacre has plunged India-Pakistan relations into a deep crisis. With both nations taking provocative steps—India’s diplomatic offensive and Pakistan’s military posturing—the region stands on edge. The international community, including the US, which issued a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, is watching closely to prevent escalation.
For the families of the victims, the grief is unimaginable. As India mourns, the call for justice grows louder. The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the deceased’s families and support for the injured. But beyond compensation, the nation demands accountability and a future free from such tragedies.
"We people of Kashmir condemn it... They cannot use our soil to kill innocent tourists," said Sajad Lone, JKPC Chief.
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