Pahalgam Attack: What You Need to Know (2025)

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JIniNews Team: On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack shook Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This tragedy, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, left at least 26 people dead and over 20 injured. If you’re a Pakistani reader trying to understand what happened, why it matters, and how it’s affecting things, this guide breaks it down in simple, casual English. We’ll stick to facts, keep it clear for students or anyone curious, and avoid any fluff. Let’s dive in.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

The attack took place in Baisaran Valley, a scenic meadow near Pahalgam, often called “Mini Switzerland” for its lush greenery. Around 3 PM, five heavily armed militants stormed the area, which is only accessible by foot or horseback. They targeted tourists, mostly Hindu visitors from across India, plus one Nepali and one UAE national. The attackers, dressed in military-style uniforms, carried M4 carbines and AK-47s. They reportedly checked victims’ religions, asking some to recite Islamic verses or removing clothing to identify Hindus before shooting them at close range. The attack lasted 25–30 minutes, leaving a trail of panic and devastation.

• Casualties: 26 killed, including 23 Indian tourists, one local Kashmiri pony operator, and two foreigners. Over 20 were injured, with some airlifted to Srinagar’s military hospital.
• Heroic Act: A local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, tried to wrestle a gun from an attacker to save tourists but was killed.
• Scene: Videos showed chaos—people screaming, bodies scattered, and survivors hiding in tents. One woman was spared to “narrate the horrors” to Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Who Did It?

The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (a Pakistan-based terrorist outfit), claimed responsibility on social media. TRF, active since 2019, said the attack was to protest “outsiders” causing “demographic change” in Kashmir. Indian authorities identified three suspects—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, with at least two believed to be foreigners. Sketches of the suspects were released, and a manhunt is ongoing in the Pir Panjal range.

• Why It Matters: TRF’s claim hasn’t been fully verified, but India calls it a terrorist group tied to Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This attack fuels India’s narrative of Pakistan-backed terrorism, though Pakistan denies involvement.

Why Did It Happen?

The attack is tied to the long-standing Kashmir conflict. Both India and Pakistan claim Jammu and Kashmir but control only parts of it. Since India revoked Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019, tensions have spiked, with militant groups targeting civilians and security forces. Pahalgam, a tourist hotspot on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage route, was hit to disrupt India’s efforts to show stability through booming tourism (millions visit Kashmir yearly). The attackers aimed to:

• Spread fear among Hindu tourists.
• Challenge India’s control over Kashmir.
• Escalate India-Pakistan tensions.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for evidence of Pakistan’s role, while their Defense Minister suggested it might be a “false flag” by India. No proof of Pakistan’s direct involvement has surfaced, but India points to a pattern of attacks in Jammu regions like Poonch and Rajouri.

India’s Response

India reacted swiftly, both diplomatically and on the ground:

• Security: A joint operation by the Indian Army, paramilitary, and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a massive manhunt. Helicopters and drones are tracking the militants. A lockdown was imposed in Pahalgam.
• Diplomatic Moves: India closed the Attari border, suspended the Indus Water Treaty (a 1960 water-sharing deal), expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked visas for most Pakistanis.
• PM’s Vow: Narendra Modi promised to hunt the attackers “to the ends of the earth,” cutting short a Saudi Arabia trip to address the crisis.
• Investigation: The National Investigation Agency is probing the attack, citing security lapses as the Baisaran meadow was opened to tourists without police permission.

Pakistan’s Response

Pakistan condemned the attack, with its Foreign Office expressing condolences. However, they rejected India’s accusations:

• Border Closures: Pakistan closed land and air borders to India, canceled visas (except for Sikh pilgrims), and suspended trade.
• Denial: PM Shehbaz Sharif’s office called India’s claims “irresponsible” and warned that diverting Indus water would be an “act of war.”
• Security Meeting: Sharif held a national security meeting to plan further responses.

Why It’s a Big Deal for Pakistanis

This attack has cranked up India-Pakistan tensions to their highest in years. Here’s why it matters for you:

• Travel Bans: If you’re planning to visit India (or vice versa), borders are shut, and visas are canceled. Only Sikh pilgrims are exempt.
• Economic Impact: Suspending trade and the Indus Water Treaty could hit Pakistan’s agriculture and economy, as 80% of its irrigation depends on Indus rivers.
• War Fears: Both nations are nuclear powers with a history of wars over Kashmir (1947, 1965, 1999). India’s talk of retaliation raises risks of escalation, though the UN has urged “maximum restraint.”
• Local Sentiment: In Pakistan, many see India’s moves as bullying, while others worry about global isolation if terrorism links are proven.

What Went Wrong?

The attack exposed security gaps:

• No Permission: The Baisaran meadow wasn’t cleared for tourists, yet over 1,000 visited in two days. No security was present at the site, though 500 personnel were in Pahalgam.
• Remote Location: The meadow’s inaccessibility (2–2.5 hours by foot) delayed security response by 45 minutes.
• Intelligence Failure: India’s opposition leaders, like Rahul Gandhi, called it a “glaring security failure,” noting the lack of police oversight during peak tourist season.

What’s Happening Now?

• Manhunt: Indian forces are clashing with militants in Bandipora, north of Srinagar, as the search continues.
• Mourning: Protests and funerals are happening across India, with IPL teams and celebrities like Akshay Kumar condemning the attack. Gurudwaras in Kashmir are sheltering fleeing tourists.
• Global Reaction: The US (Trump), Russia (Putin), and Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, with Trump pledging “full support” to India.
• Tourism Hit: 60% of families canceled Kashmir travel plans, and Air India added flights to help tourists leave.

Tips for Pakistani Readers

• Stay Updated: Follow news on platforms like Dawn or Geo.tv for Pakistan’s perspective. Avoid unverified social media claims.
• Travel Plans: Hold off on India trips until borders reopen. Check with embassies for visa updates.
• Stay Safe: If you’re near border areas like Punjab or Sindh, be cautious as tensions rise.
• Understand the Conflict: Kashmir’s a complex issue. Reading about its history (e.g., the 1947 partition or 2019 autonomy revocation) can help you grasp both sides.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, was a brutal strike that killed 26 tourists and reignited India-Pakistan tensions. With TRF claiming responsibility and India blaming Pakistan-based militants, the fallout—border closures, treaty suspensions, and war rhetoric—is serious. For Pakistanis, this means travel disruptions, economic risks, and heightened alertness. Stay informed, avoid rumors, and hope for de-escalation. For more context, check reliable news outlets or platforms like aljazeera.com for updates on Kashmir’s situation. Let’s pray for peace and no more loss of life.