A brutal terrorist attack in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir has left at least 28 people dead and dozens more injured after gunmen ambushed a group of tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam. According to local officials and eyewitnesses, the attackers carried out the assault with chilling precision, reportedly selecting victims based on their religion.
The incident occurred on April 22, 2025, in an area known for its alpine beauty and popularity among both Indian and international visitors. Around midday, a group of armed militants believed to be affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-linked separatist group, emerged from the surrounding forest and began indiscriminately firing on a group of tourists resting in the meadow.
Eyewitnesses claim the assailants forced some tourists to present identity documents and even ordered several men to remove their pants to check for signs of religious affiliation, such as circumcision. Only after identifying those who were not Muslim, the gunmen executed them at close range.
Among the victims were travelers from several Indian states and two foreign nationals — one of whom was confirmed by Israeli sources to be a citizen of Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extended condolences to the victim’s family, and voiced unwavering solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
The attack comes at a time of renewed tensions in the region, which has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan. Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, Indian intelligence agencies point to the TRF as likely perpetrators, citing their history of targeting civilians and non-Muslims in the region.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act of terror,” and vowed that the perpetrators would face justice. In response, Indian security forces launched a large-scale manhunt, deploying army units and helicopters to comb the dense forests surrounding Pahalgam. Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar shortly after the attack to oversee the operation and strengthen regional security measures.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who happened to be on an official visit to India, also issued a statement denouncing the violence and offering condolences to the families of the victims. “Targeting civilians in such a cruel and calculated manner is a crime against humanity,” he said.
The massacre has sent shockwaves across India and around the world, drawing condemnation from numerous governments and human rights organizations. It marks one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Kashmir since the revocation of the region’s autonomous status in 2019.
Security analysts warn that the incident may have far-reaching implications, not only for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir but also for regional diplomatic relations. While India intensifies counterterrorism operations in the region, calls for international pressure on Pakistan to dismantle militant networks have also resurfaced.
The Indian government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid non-essential travel to conflict-prone areas. Memorial services for the victims are being organized across several states, and compensation packages have been announced for the families of the deceased.
As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the Kashmir conflict and the urgent need for sustainable peace in the region.
