Suspected Militant Attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam Shocks India, Kills at Least 26 Tourists

By Noma Grant

In a devastating blow to the fragile calm of Jammu and Kashmir, suspected militants launched a brutal attack on tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killing at least 26 people and injuring 17 others. The assault, described as the deadliest civilian attack in the region in nearly two decades, has reignited tensions in the disputed Himalayan territory and raised fears of escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Attack: A Massacre in a Tourist Haven

The attack occurred around 2:50 p.m. in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, roughly 90 kilometers from Srinagar. Four to six gunmen, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd of visitors enjoying the area’s serene beauty. Survivors reported the assailants, dressed in military-style uniforms, targeted non-Muslims, checking for circumcisions and demanding victims recite Islamic verses to identify their religion before shooting. One survivor told The Indian Express that the gunmen operated for at least 20 minutes, moving through the meadow and firing at close range.

The victims included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese national, with most being tourists, though one Indian Navy officer and an Air Force officer were among the deceased. The attack’s timing coincided with the peak tourist season, when hundreds of thousands flock to Kashmir’s valleys, drawn by its Himalayan landscapes and recent claims of restored stability.

A little-known militant group, the Kashmir Resistance (also known as The Resistance Front), claimed responsibility via social media, alleging the attack targeted “undercover agents” linked to Indian security agencies rather than ordinary tourists. The group cited anger over the settlement of over 85,000 “outsiders” in Kashmir, which they claim is driving a “demographic change” following India’s 2019 revocation of the region’s semi-autonomous status. Indian security agencies link the group to Pakistan-based organizations Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, though the group’s claims about the victims’ identities remain unverified.

Immediate Aftermath: Chaos and Condemnation

The attack sparked immediate outrage across India and beyond. Indian security forces launched a massive manhunt, deploying tens of thousands of troops and police to comb the forests around Pahalgam. Sketches of three suspected attackers, one reportedly wearing a bodycam, were released, and over 1,500 individuals, including 12 suspects, were detained for questioning. The National Investigation Agency initiated a probe, identifying Saifullah Kasuri, a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the alleged mastermind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short a visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the “heinous act” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” Modi posted on X, emphasizing India’s resolve to combat terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to chair a high-level security meeting, while Defense Minister Rajnath Singh promised a “loud and clear” response, targeting both the attackers and those “behind the scenes.”

Local leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, called the attack “shocking beyond belief,” noting it was the largest civilian assault in recent years. Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the violence as “cowardly” and against the region’s ethos of hospitality. Protests erupted across Kashmir, with residents in Srinagar and Jammu holding candlelight vigils and chanting anti-terrorism slogans, though some right-wing groups in Jammu blamed Pakistan, fuelling anti-Muslim sentiment.

Internationally, the attack drew swift condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump called Modi to offer “full support” in pursuing justice, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman denounced the violence. The attack’s timing, during a visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, raised speculation it was intended to draw global attention to Kashmir’s unrest.

Kashmir’s Context: A Region on Edge

The attack shatters India’s narrative of restored peace in Kashmir, where tourism has surged in recent years following a decline in militant violence. Since an anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989, tens of thousands have died in the Muslim-majority region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but divided along a heavily militarized Line of Control. India’s 2019 decision to revoke Kashmir’s special status, splitting it into two federally administered territories (Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh), allowed non-locals to buy land and secure jobs, a move critics say aims to alter the region’s demographics. The recent issuance of domicile rights to nearly 84,000 non-Kashmiris has fuelled local resentment, a grievance echoed by the attackers.

While violence had tapered off, with tourist attacks rare—the last major incident was in June 2024, when nine Hindu pilgrims died in a bus attack—the region remains volatile. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups, a charge Islamabad denies, claiming it offers only moral and diplomatic support. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif rejected allegations of involvement, pointing to “home-grown” unrest across India. The attack’s scale and targeting of civilians, however, recall the 2008 Mumbai attacks, raising fears of a military escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism and Future

The attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry, a lifeline for locals. Tourists fled the region en masse, with airlines adding extra flights from Srinagar. “How can we continue our trip in such a situation?” one visitor told ANI. Local businesses shuttered in protest, and residents fear a backlash against Kashmiris, with anti-Muslim rhetoric growing on social media.

Analysts like C. Uday Bhaskar told Al Jazeera the attack aims to spotlight Kashmir’s unrest globally and deepen India-Pakistan tensions. With Modi facing pressure to respond decisively, and a multibillion-dollar railway project to boost Kashmir’s connectivity nearing inauguration, the incident exposes the fragility of India’s control over the region. Rights groups have long criticized India’s heavy-handed tactics, including arbitrary detentions and media curbs, which some argue fuel local discontent.

Looking Ahead: A Test for India’s Resolve

As security forces intensify their search for the attackers, India faces a delicate balancing act: delivering justice without escalating cross-border tensions or alienating Kashmir’s population. The attack underscores the persistent challenge of militancy in the region, despite claims of normalcy. For Kashmiris, the violence threatens not only their safety but also their economic lifeline, as tourism hangs in the balance.

The coming days will test India’s ability to navigate this crisis while addressing the root causes of unrest in a region that remains a flashpoint for one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.

Noma Grant is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at noma.grant@veritasexpositae.com