By Kushsmita Dhevi Jaya Ram
On April 22, 2025, a horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians and injured more than 20 others. The attack took place in Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot, where terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on visitors, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility. Indian authorities have identified seven terrorists involved, including four to five believed to be Pakistani nationals. Sketches of three suspects — Asif Fauji (alias Moosa), Suleman Shah (alias Yunus), and Abu Talha (alias Asif) — have been released. A reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for any credible information leading to their arrest.
In swift response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to India. He immediately convened a high-level security meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site to assess the situation and personally met with the victims’ families, promising swift justice.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined forces with local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
In a firm diplomatic response:
- India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, recalling its envoy and reducing diplomatic staff.
- The government has suspended participation in the Indus Waters Treaty.
- The Attari–Wagah land border has been closed, and all visas for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been cancelled.
International condemnation has poured in from across the globe. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have strongly denounced the act and expressed their solidarity with India.
As the country grieves, security has been significantly tightened across Jammu and Kashmir. State governments have initiated compensation packages for the victims’ families, and public mourning has been observed in many parts of the country. The government has reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and ensuring that peace and normalcy are restored in the region.
