Pahalgam Attack Timeline:
A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left the entire nation in shock. On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran valley, also known as “Mini Switzerland,” killing 26 people, including Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal, two Intelligence Bureau officers, a businessman from Karnataka, two foreigners, and two locals. The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately cut short his Saudi Arabia trip and returned to India to lead a high-level meeting with top officials like EAM S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. The meeting focused on the national response and security measures. Former J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid likened the incident to a Hamas-style strike, claiming Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG) commandos were involved.
Several countries expressed solidarity with India. U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Australia’s Anthony Albanese condemned the attack. Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and New Zealand Deputy PM Winston Peters also extended their support. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences, calling the attack a “brutal crime.”
In response, Jammu and Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on April 23, a rare occurrence since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Political leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah condemned the incident and supported the bandh. Rahul Gandhi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and state leaders, demanding justice and full support for the victims’ families.
Air India and Air Asia announced special and flexible flight options to help stranded tourists, while Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa met the family of a victim from Shivamogga.
The mortal remains of the victims were brought to Srinagar, and security has been heightened across the region. This tragic incident has been described as the deadliest attack in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, raising fresh concerns over security and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.
