On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in Baisaran
meadow near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of at least 26
tourists and injuries to over 17 others. This incident marks one of the
deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in recent years.
What Happened
Around 2:50 PM IST, four to six militants, disguised in military-style
uniforms, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on a group of tourists
enjoying the scenic meadow. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers posed as
policemen, asking victims to recite Islamic verses and checking for
circumcision to identify non-Muslims. Those who failed were shot at close
range. One survivor recounted that an assailant spared her, saying she should
"narrate the horrors" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Casualties and Response
The victims included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. Emergency
services, including military helicopters, were deployed to evacuate the injured
to hospitals in Anantnag and Srinagar. Prime Minister Modi cut short his visit
to Saudi Arabia and returned to India to oversee the response. Union Home
Minister Amit Shah also traveled to Srinagar to conduct a high-level security
review.
Perpetrators and Motive
A group identifying itself as “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility
for the attack, citing opposition to demographic changes in the region
following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019. The
attackers' actions suggest a targeted assault on non-Muslim tourists, aiming to
instill fear and disrupt the region's tourism industry.
Impact and Reactions
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and
internationally. Security forces have launched extensive operations to
apprehend the perpetrators, and a temporary lockdown has been imposed in parts
of Pahalgam. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in
the region and the potential resurgence of militant activities.
