Terror Attack in Jammu & Kashmir: At Least 20 Tourists Feared Killed, Several Injured as Terrorists Open Fire in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – April 22: A tragic terror attack rocked the picturesque Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on Tuesday, claiming the life of 20 tourists and leaving 15 others injured. The remote area, accessible only by foot or horseback, echoed with gunshots as terrorists in camouflage reportedly opened fire in what is believed to be a targeted assault.

https://twitter.com/RituRathaur/status/1914663636611760398

Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly responded to the incident by dialing Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to take immediate and decisive action. Shah is expected to arrive in Srinagar shortly and will chair an urgent high-level security review with top officials from the Army, CRPF, Intelligence Bureau, and J&K Police.

Every bullet fired at a tourist in #Pahalgam is a bullet fired at Kashmir’s economy, image,& future. These terrorists want #Kashmir to bleed, not heal!

They are not just enemies of humanity but also of Kashmiris, undoing years of efforts gone into changing perspective on Kashmir pic.twitter.com/EuN0a1hhQ9

— Yusra Iqbal (@YusraIqbal_) April 22, 2025

Earlier today, Shah convened a crisis meeting at his residence in New Delhi. Among the attendees were IB Chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior Army personnel via video conference. He also held separate conversations with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

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.

Those behind this heinous act will be brought…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025

Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack, stating:

“Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and will only grow stronger. My condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. All possible assistance is being extended.”

The attack comes during the height of the tourism season and amid ongoing registration for the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 via the 48-km Pahalgam and 14-km Baltal routes.

Former CM Omar Abdullah expressed deep anguish on social media platform X, calling the attack “an abomination” and terming the perpetrators “inhuman animals.”

I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025

“This act is beyond condemnation. My thoughts are with the families of the victims,” he added.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also denounced the violence, calling for a thorough investigation.

“Such cowardly attacks are unacceptable. Kashmir has always welcomed tourists with open arms. Ensuring their safety must remain a top priority,” she said.

BJP’s J&K unit president Ravinder Raina condemned the “cowardly targeting of unarmed, innocent tourists” and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Pahalgam, renowned for its alpine beauty, forests, and lakes, remains a favourite destination for tourists during the summer months. The latest attack raises serious concerns over security preparedness in the region, especially during the busy travel season.