In a devastating turn of events, a deadly terror attack struck the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in South Kashmir on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Officials confirmed that at least 28 people were killed and over 20 others wounded in the assault on unarmed tourists at Baisaran, a scenic meadow in Pahalgam.

The attack, described by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as unprecedented in recent times, drew swift condemnation from national leaders and international figures alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently denounced the “heinous act” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments, promising severe consequences for those responsible. Shah reached Srinagar and held meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other high-level officials to assess the situation and coordinate a response.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. Security sources suspect the involvement of other banned Pakistan-based terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, noting a shift in tactics towards smaller assault units targeting civilians. The attack is viewed as part of a broader terror campaign orchestrated by Pakistan ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.

In the wake of the attack, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army and J&K Police in the Baisaran area. Authorities have also established a 24/7 emergency help desk at the Police Control Room Anantnag to assist tourists in need. Contact details for the help desk include phone numbers 9596777669, 01932225870, and a WhatsApp number 9419051940. An emergency control room has also been set up in Srinagar with contact numbers 0194-2457543 and 0194-2483651, along with a contact for Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar, at 7006058623.

Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the attack, expressing condolences and demanding accountability. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his shock and described the attack as an “abomination,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “dastardly attack on innocent civilians” and an “act of cowardice.” Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and called for concrete steps to prevent future incidents. Various international figures, including US VP JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, the Ukrainian Embassy in India, and the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, have also expressed their condolences and support.

The TRF, identified as a terrorist group by the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 2023, has been actively involved in recruiting youth, spreading propaganda, and coordinating terror activities. The group's emergence can be traced back to the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, with the aim of indigenizing Kashmir militancy and avoiding scrutiny under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The attack has prompted heightened security measures, including alerts in Delhi and intensified anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has assured that those responsible for the attack will face severe consequences, and efforts are underway to provide all possible assistance to the affected families and ensure the safety of tourists in the region.