Over 25 civilians, mostly tourists killed in ‘targeted terror attack’ in Kashmir’s Pahalgam

In a deadliest terrorist strike in Kashmir in recent years at least 26 civilians — mostly tourists — were gunned down in a brutal daylight assault in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22.

The dead include two foreigners — from UAE and Nepal, and two locals, source said.

The brazen terror attack sparked global outrage with US, Russia and many other countries strongly condemned the “inhuman act” and vowed full support to India in its fight against terror.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), is suspected to be behind the massacre.

The attackers, dressed in military camouflage, opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists around 3 PM in the upper meadows of Baisaran, a picturesque destination accessed by foot or horseback.

Witnesses described scenes of utter chaos as gunmen emerged from the forest, initially mistaken for security personnel due to their uniforms, before unleashing gunfire.

Footage from the site showed distraught women screaming for help as they cradled injured relatives. At least eight bodies — all men — were seen lying in pools of blood on the grass.

Among the victims were five tourists from Maharashtra, whose deaths were confirmed by officials late April 22 evening.

Security has been heightened across the Kashmir Valley, with joint forces launching a search operation to hunt down the perpetrators.

Asawari Jagdale, a survivor from Maharashtra, recounted the horror. Jagdale was quoted as saying by Lokmat News from the Pahalgam Club, where the injured were being treated, she said the terrorists demanded that male tourists recite the kalma, a Muslim declaration of faith. Those who failed were executed on the spot.

A chilling message posted on Telegram channels linked to TRF appeared to claim responsibility for the attack, boasting that only "Hindu settlers" had been targeted.

"We didn’t harm any locals, women, or children... Boys confirmed identity of #Hindu Settlers then dispatch them to hell from #Pahalgam (sic)," one post read.

In immediate response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha rushed to Srinagar to assess the security situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice... they will not be spared! Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” he posted on X.

Strongly condemning the attack, Shah wrote on X, “Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased.”

“Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” he added.

In light of the attack, PM Modi has cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia. As a mark of solemnity, he did not attend the official dinner hosted by the Saudi leadership. Modi, who was initially scheduled to return tomorrow night, will now depart earlier and is expected to arrive in India April 23 morning.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sorrow and outrage over the attack.

"Deeply anguished by the news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families." Singh posted on X.

The terror attack marks a grim continuation of a disturbing trend.

In the past year alone, there have been multiple attacks on Hindu pilgrims and non-local tourists across Jammu & Kashmir. In May 2023, a couple was shot at in Anantnag. A month later, nine Hindu pilgrims were killed in a bus ambush en route to the Amarnath Yatra in Reasi district. More recently, in October, militants targeted an Army vehicle near Gulmarg.

TRF, a relatively new terror outfit, surfaced in the aftermath of the 2019 constitutional changes in Jammu & Kashmir. Although positioned as a homegrown militant group, Indian intelligence agencies maintain it is a façade crafted by Pakistan’s ISI to evade global scrutiny, especially by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), from which Pakistan was removed in 2022.

The TRF’s earlier threats against “domicile holders” and Kashmiri Pandit employees had already raised alarm. Now, with this brutal attack in Pahalgam, the specter of targeted killings returns to haunt Kashmir’s fragile peace.

Kashmir unites in grief and outrage

Unequivocally condemning the horrific terror attack, a united front of religious leaders, trade bodies, and political leaders called for a complete shutdown on April 23, to express collective grief, stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.

Leading the call for unity and peace, Mirwaiz Kashmir, Moulvi Umar Farooq expressed profound sorrow and rage in a post on X, urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stage a peaceful protest through a valley-wide shutdown.

Farooq described the attack as a “gruesome and senseless slaughter” that contradicts the very essence of Islam — a religion rooted in peace, compassion, and justice.

“The people of Kashmir know too well the sting of loss,” he wrote on X. “Today, we mourn not just the victims, but the continued desecration of our land's spirit and sanctity.”

The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, echoed this sentiment, also calling for a shutdown to honor the innocent lives lost.

Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) strongly condemned what it called an “inhuman and devastating act,” affirming its unwavering support for a bandh that reflects the valley’s shared pain.

KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said, “This attack shatters not just lives, but the core values of peace, hospitality, and humanity that define Kashmir. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the grieving families.”

Voices from across the political spectrum have risen in unified condemnation.

Condemning the attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the perpetrators of the attack "animals and inhuman."

"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.” Omar wrote on X.

I’ve spoken to my colleague, Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," he added.

Sajad Gani Lone, President of the People’s Conference and MLA from Handwara, declared his full support for the bandh and encouraged silent protests in every town and village, urging citizens to channel their sorrow into peaceful resistance.

Mehbooba Mufti, President People’s Democratic Party, appealed to all Kashmiris to rally together.

“This was not just an attack on tourists,” she said, “It was an attack on all of us—on our values, our identity, and our very humanity. Let this bandh be a solemn tribute to the lives stolen, and a firm stand against the forces that seek to destroy us from within.”

The Chamber & Bar Association Jammu also joined the call, emphasizing that the shutdown is not merely a protest, but a symbolic stand for justice, dignity, and the sanctity of innocent life.

Global outrage

US President Donald Trump expressed his deep concerns over the recent terror attack in Kashmir.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

"We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the terror attack saying the "brutal crime" has no justification whatsoever and its perpetrators will face a deserved punishment.”

In a communication to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, Putin extended condolences over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Putin expressed "sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam whose victims were civilians citizens of various countries".

"This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organizers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment," he said.

Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured," he added.

Strongly condemning the attack, Israel vowed to stand united with India in the fight against terror.

"Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror," Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar posted on X.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar also expressed solidarity with India.

"Sad and appalled following the terrorist attack in J&K which took the lives of innocent civilians. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and our support is for the security forces in their struggle against terror," Azar wrote on X.