Tourists in Kashmir, India, suffer fatal attacks by gunmen, leaving at least 20 casualties
Gunfire Strikes Tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir
In the Indian-administered region of Kashmir, a disturbing event unfolded in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam. This area, renowned as the "Switzerland of Kashmir," saw a brutal incident that left at least 28 lives snuffed out and more than 20 individuals injured as of April 22, 2025.
Pahalgam, nestled in a disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan, plays host to a predominantly Muslim population. The attack transpired in Bayazil, a tranquil mountain meadow off the main road, often showcased in Bollywood films. Accessible only by foot or horseback, the serene landscape now carries an eerie silence.
Local guide, Waheed, raced to the shooting scene, rescusing several injured on horseback. Haunted by the images of people lying on the ground, apparently lifeless, he recounted his experience with a heavy heart.
The assailants are believed to have been at least two or three, according to Indian Express reports, quoting a police officer. Regional head, Omar Abdullah, emphasized the gravity of the situation, expressing it as the most significant assault on civilians in recent years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, referring to the incident as a terrorist attack. However, the exact number of fatalities remains unclear.
Armed groups have a longstanding history of targeting tourists and pilgrims since the insurgency against India in 1989. Yet, such attacks have waned in recent years. The last major incident occurred in June 2021, when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims plunged into a deep gorge, claiming at least nine lives and injuring 33 others.
In the wake of this tragedy, Indian National Party leader Ravinnder Raine accused Pakistan-backed militants of the crime and vowed to bring them to justice. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, also strongly condemned the attack and called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice and identify any security gaps.
Amidst the sorrow and chaos, her desired message resonates: the safety of our guests should be our top priority, and measures must be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts are with the victims' families in these difficult times.
[1] The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to perceived demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley. #KashmirAttack #TerroristAttack #Pahalgam #TouristTargeted #IndianKashmir #ResistanceFront
- The attack that left at least 28 fatalities and injured over 20 individuals in Pahalgam, Kashmir occurred in Bayazil, a picturesque mountain meadow with a history of featuring in Bollywood films.
- The Indian National Party leader, Ravinnder Raine, accused Pakistan-backed militants of the crime in Pahalgam, Kashmir and vowed to bring them to justice.
- In a regional general news outlet, AFP (Associated Press) confirmed the fatalities and injuries in the war-and-conflicts category, stating it as the most significant assault on civilians in recent years.
- Members of the Kashmir Valley's predominantly Muslim population are in mourning, with the tragedy reminding us of the ongoing politics surrounding this disputed territory.
- The AFP also reported on the crime-and-justice angle, with the Indian National Party leader Raine's accusations of Pakistan-backed militants causing ripples in the complex political landscape.
