Jammu and Kashmir Recent Terrorist Attack: April 2025

Date: April 22, 2025

The Attack

On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and left over 20 others injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Around 2:50 PM, a group of seven militants, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s and dressed in traditional attire, infiltrated the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty. The assailants separated men from women and children, demanding that the men recite Islamic verses. Those unable to comply were executed at close range. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers used body cameras to record the massacre, a tactic associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba propaganda.

Among the victims were 25 Indian tourists from various states, two local residents, and one Nepali national. Notably, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official were among the deceased. Local pony ride operator Adil Hussain Shah attempted to resist the attackers and was killed in the process. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including hiding in tents and escaping through forests. Local residents and pony handlers played a crucial role in rescuing and providing shelter to the injured.

Perpetrators and Motive

The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group stated that the assault was in opposition to the alleged settlement of non-Kashmiris in the region, which they perceive as an attempt to alter the demographic composition of the Kashmir Valley.

Indian authorities have identified two of the three suspects as Pakistani nationals. The attackers are believed to have fled to the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range, prompting a large-scale manhunt by Indian security forces.

Government Response

In the aftermath, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as "heinous" and vowed that the perpetrators would face justice. Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar to assess the situation and coordinate the security response. The Indian government took several measures, including:

• Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
• Closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
• Withdrawing diplomats from Islamabad.
• Reducing staff at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

These actions were taken amid allegations of cross-border involvement, though Pakistan denied any direct role, asserting that its support for Kashmir is purely moral and diplomatic.

In a speech delivered in Bihar on April 24, 2025, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government's commitment to justice, stating, "We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers." He further added, "We will pursue the accused to the ends of the earth." These remarks underscore India's resolve to combat terrorism and hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts.

International Reactions

The international community widely condemned the attack. Leaders from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Israel, and Indonesia expressed solidarity with India and denounced the violence. Indian actress Priyanka Chopra described the incident as "reprehensible" and a tragedy that should "shake the conscience of humanity."

Security Measures and Investigation

The Indian military launched a large-scale manhunt to capture the assailants, deploying helicopters and imposing a temporary lockdown in Pahalgam. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated an investigation, releasing sketches of three suspects based on eyewitness accounts. Intelligence agencies identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the mastermind behind the massacre.

This attack has significantly impacted tourism in the region, which had seen a resurgence in recent years due to reduced violence. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring security and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.