Home Minister Amit Shah paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The assault, which left at least 26 civilians dead, mostly tourists, occurred in the picturesque meadow of Baisaran in Anantnag district on Tuesday. The attack marks the deadliest act of terror in the Kashmir Valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019. Shah condemned the violence and assured the nation that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Tourists had gathered at Baisaran, a scenic location only accessible on foot or by pony, when the attackers struck without warning. Survivors described scenes of horror as bullets tore through the calm setting, turning a serene holiday spot into a site of bloodshed. Eyewitnesses reported panic and chaos as families scrambled for cover, while injured individuals cried for help.
The Resistance Front, a shadow group linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the massacre. However, official confirmation from the central government regarding the group’s involvement remains pending. Investigators from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached the site swiftly to collect forensic evidence and coordinate with local law enforcement. The NIA is now leading the investigation and has already begun mapping the attack’s sequence and motives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted swiftly to the situation. He returned to India early from his visit to Saudi Arabia and chaired a high-level security meeting immediately upon landing at Delhi airport. The meeting included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Modi expressed deep sorrow and anger over the attack. He vowed that those behind this “heinous act” would be brought to justice and would not be spared under any circumstances.
In Kashmir, security forces have intensified combing operations in and around Anantnag. Forces have increased surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) and sealed off multiple exit routes used by militants to flee after such attacks. Drone surveillance and sniffer dogs have been deployed in Baisaran and its nearby forested zones to trace suspects.
Locals in Anantnag and Pahalgam expressed grief and fear. Residents condemned the attack and demanded stronger measures to protect both citizens and tourists in the Valley. Business owners, who rely on tourism, expressed worry that such incidents could once again harm the fragile peace in the region and destroy livelihoods tied to the tourism economy.
Home Minister Amit Shah visited the AIIMS trauma center in Delhi to meet with injured survivors airlifted from Kashmir. Shah promised full medical support and financial aid to those affected. He also directed senior Home Ministry officials to work with Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure timely compensation for victims’ families.
The political fallout of the attack is already visible. Opposition leaders criticized the security lapse, calling for accountability from the state and central governments. In response, the BJP reiterated its commitment to national security and blamed external forces for trying to destabilize the region.
Kashmir leaders, including Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, visited Anantnag and met with the families of the deceased. Sinha condemned the attack in the strongest terms and promised that security arrangements for tourists would be strengthened further. He stated that the attack was an attempt to derail peace efforts in Kashmir and would not succeed.
International reactions began to pour in as global leaders condemned the killings. Several countries extended condolences to the families of the victims and stood in solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack stands as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the Valley. As investigations continue, the country watches closely for answers and justice. The central government, meanwhile, aims to restore security and confidence in Kashmir’s tourism sector, even as it deals with the pain of yet another national tragedy.
The attack has also sparked debates about the effectiveness of the intelligence network in the region. Former intelligence officers raised concerns about the lack of preemptive alerts, especially when the target was a group of civilians in a known tourist area. They stressed the need for stronger local intelligence gathering and community participation in identifying potential threats.
In Parliament, members observed a moment of silence for the victims. Political leaders from across party lines condemned the attack and stood united in the call for justice. The government assured the nation that no efforts would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to book. Union Ministers also emphasized the importance of maintaining communal harmony and rejecting any narrative that seeks to divide the country during such times of national grief.
Back in Pahalgam, locals participated in candlelight vigils to honor the deceased. Schoolchildren, shopkeepers, and tourists alike gathered to pay tribute and express solidarity. Community leaders called for peace and cooperation, emphasizing that terrorism must not be allowed to destroy Kashmir’s legacy of hospitality and cultural richness.
Travel and tourism bodies across India expressed concern over the safety of tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. They called for a review of existing safety protocols and demanded that central and state governments offer reassurances to travelers. Many travel companies have temporarily suspended bookings to Kashmir pending further clarity on the security situation.
The tragedy has reignited the conversation around cross-border terrorism. Defence analysts and security experts pointed to the attack as a grim reminder of Pakistan-based terror outfits’ persistent influence. They urged the international community to pressure Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil. Indian officials have hinted at raising the issue in upcoming diplomatic engagements and may seek stronger global condemnation of Pakistan’s role in supporting proxy warfare.
The NIA, meanwhile, has detained a few suspects from nearby villages for questioning. Officials believe that local support may have aided the attackers in planning the assault. They are examining communication records and CCTV footage from surrounding areas to piece together the attackers’ movements and determine if any sleeper cells were involved.
Grief turned into anger in several parts of the country, where people staged protests demanding stricter counter-terrorism laws and enhanced protection for civilians, especially tourists. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of emotion, with netizens demanding swift and decisive action. Hashtags like #PahalgamAttack and #JusticeForVictims trended nationally as citizens sought accountability and answers.
Religious and spiritual leaders across communities came forward to denounce the killings, calling them acts of cowardice and a betrayal of humanity. They encouraged their followers to respond with peace, unity, and a collective stand against hate.
This attack has left a deep scar on the Valley’s people, the survivors, and the families of the victims. But amid the sorrow, there also lies resilience. Kashmiris, deeply pained yet determined, have begun to come together, refusing to let fear define their land. In the coming days, the region will need both empathy and resolve as it navigates the aftermath of one of the worst attacks in recent memory.