Pahalgam Terror Attack: Over Two Dozen Killed Including Foreign Tourists; National Leadership Responds Swiftly
EC News Desk
Pahalgam, South Kashmir – April 23, 2025:
In one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, at least 26 people, including foreign nationals, lost their lives after terrorists launched a brutal assault on a tourist convoy in the idyllic town of Pahalgam in Anantnag district on Tuesday. The attack has sent shockwaves across the country and drawn strong condemnation from national and regional leaders.
Government sources informed that heavily armed militants opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists traveling near Lidder River Park, a popular tourist spot in the heart of Pahalgam. Initial reports suggest that attackers ambushed the convoy using automatic weapons, leading to chaos and a high number of civilian casualties.
Though the official death toll is yet to be formally confirmed, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the scale of the attack is “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed grief and assured that a thorough investigation is underway.
Targeting Tourism: A Strategic Blow
Pahalgam, often called the “Valley of Shepherds,” is not just a scenic destination but a symbol of peaceful tourism in conflict-hit Kashmir. The region draws thousands of domestic and international tourists every year and serves as a starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Security analysts suggest that the attack may be part of a larger strategy by terror outfits to undermine the revival of tourism in the region, which has seen an uptick in recent years due to improved security arrangements.
Sources within the security establishment believe that the attack may have been orchestrated by a Pakistan-based terror group, though official attribution is awaited. Intelligence agencies are analyzing CCTV footage, intercepted communications, and ground reports to trace the attackers.
National Response: High-Level Security Briefings and Visits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act against peace and humanity.” In a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister directed immediate action and the deployment of all necessary resources to assist the victims and tighten security across the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar within hours of the attack, was briefed at Raj Bhavan by top security officials. The meeting was attended by Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka.
Officials confirmed that the Home Minister is scheduled to visit the attack site in Pahalgam on Wednesday to assess the ground situation and meet with survivors and the families of the victims.
Political and Public Reactions
Across the political spectrum, leaders have denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged the government to “not just condemn but act swiftly and decisively.” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the attack “a direct blow to Kashmir’s image of peace and hospitality.”
Civil society groups, local business owners, and tourism associations in Pahalgam have also condemned the attack, fearing a serious setback to the local economy which heavily depends on tourism.
Security Upgrades and Investigations
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in South Kashmir with coordinated search operations involving the Army, CRPF, and local police. Drones, sniffer dogs, and night vision equipment are being employed to comb the mountainous terrain surrounding Pahalgam.
Preliminary reports suggest lapses in intelligence coordination, which are now being reviewed. A high-level internal inquiry has been ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs to identify systemic vulnerabilities.
As Kashmir grapples with this tragedy, the resilience of its people and the effectiveness of India’s counter-terror framework will be tested in the days to come. The attack underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in tourist regions and highlights the ever-present threat posed by terrorism in conflict-sensitive zones. The coming days will reveal more about the motives, execution, and wider implications of this horrific incident.
