Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir; TRF Claims Responsibility

 On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting tourists. The attack, described as one of the deadliest on civilians in the region in decades, resulted in at least 26 deaths, with most victims being tourists, including three from Gujarat and one from Nepal. Several others were injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility. The attack involved gunmen opening fire at three separate locations within the valley, with reports indicating military-grade weapons were used. One suspect, Hashim Musa, is also linked to prior attacks in the region.

The Indian government responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack and vowing justice. The Cabinet Committee on Security met to address the crisis, and India implemented diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including closing the Attari border checkpost, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and revoking most Pakistani visas by April 27, 2025. Indian officials cited "cross-border linkages" to the attack, despite Pakistan's denial of involvement. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned of potential "all-out war," escalating tensions.

Security forces launched a manhunt, and the houses of suspected LeT terrorists were demolished in Pulwama and Anantnag. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Kashmir to review security arrangements, and a special session of the J&K assembly was called for April 28. Public figures, including Rahul Gandhi, who visited Srinagar to meet victims, and sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, condemned the attack. Protests erupted across India, with candlelight vigils in Pahalgam and anti-Pakistan sentiments in cities like Indore. Internationally, leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar expressed solidarity with India.

The attack has heightened India-Pakistan tensions, with fears of further escalation. Iran offered to mediate, while Western media’s use of terms like "gunmen" for the attackers drew criticism in India for downplaying the attack’s religious targeting of Hindu tourists.