Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir: In a horrific act of terrorism, 28 tourists were killed and dozens injured in an unprecedented Pahalgam Terror Attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The massacre, the deadliest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has shaken the nation and prompted global condemnation.
The attack occurred around 1:30 PM when armed terrorists dressed in army fatigues emerged from nearby forests and opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists enjoying the picturesque meadow. Survivors reported that the gunmen asked victims to recite Islamic verses, suggesting a targeted ideological motive behind the killings.
Among the deceased are tourists from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha, as well as a naval officer from Haryana and an Intelligence Bureau official from Telangana. Two foreign nationals, from Nepal and the UAE, also lost their lives. The tragic death of a newlywed Navy officer, Vinay Narwal, who was on his honeymoon, added a deeply personal dimension to the national tragedy.
Military helicopters were pressed into service for evacuation due to the area’s remote nature, accessible only by foot or horseback. The injured were rushed to GMC Anantnag and other nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.
Terrorist Outfit Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the ISI-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation appears to have been meticulously timed, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and US Vice President JD Vance’s ongoing trip to India.
According to officials, the attackers were likely foreigners, with intelligence sources suspecting a larger cross-border terror strategy aiming to disrupt peace in the Valley and derail the tourism boom.
National and Global Reaction
Prime Minister Modi, cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit, returned to India immediately after the Pahalgam terror attack. He denounced the attack, stating, “Our resolve to combat terrorism is unshakable. These barbaric acts will not deter our spirit.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar for an emergency review meeting with intelligence and defense officials. An extensive anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralize the militants responsible.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the international leaders who condemned the attack. Trump stated, “The United States stands firmly with India against this act of terror.” Israel, UAE, and several European nations also expressed grief and solidarity.
Tourism in the Crosshairs
The attack comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a tourism revival, with thousands of visitors exploring the Valley ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3. Pahalgam, being one of the main routes for the Yatra, was bustling with tourists, making the attack even more devastating.
Leaders across political parties—Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge, PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti, BJP’s Ravinder Raina, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah—condemned the atrocity. Abdullah termed it an “abomination,” while Mufti emphasized the importance of investigating potential security lapses.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Security Reinforcements and Helplines Activated Across Jammu and Kashmir
Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting door-to-door searches. Intelligence agencies are working to track down the terrorists, believed to be still in hiding. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh have been roped in to coordinate the response.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up emergency helplines for assistance:
Emergency Control Room – Srinagar:
- 0194-2457543
- 0194-2483651
ADC Srinagar (Adil Fareed):
- 7006058623
Tourist Help Desk – Anantnag (24/7):
- 9596777669
- 01932-225870
- WhatsApp: 9419051940
J&K Tourism Department:
- 8899931010
- 8899941010
- 99066 63868 (Nissar – Asst Director Tourism)
- 99069 06115 (Mudassir – Tourist Officer)
Call for Unity and Vigilance After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Pahalgam terror attack, eerily reminiscent of the Chittisinghpora massacre in 2000, has reignited concerns about the safety of tourists in conflict-prone regions. It underscores the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger infiltration prevention measures, and zero tolerance toward cross-border terrorism.
As India mourns the lives lost in this heart-wrenching Pahalgam terror attack, the collective resolve of the nation stands firmer than ever: terrorism will not be allowed to triumph over peace and humanity.
