On 22 April 2025, terrorists had gunned down 26 people at Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam in Kashmir. The incident marks one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in recent years, sparking national outrage and increased security in the affected areas. The terrorists, some of whom were reportedly dressed in military uniforms, had approached from the surrounding forest around midday towards tourists gathered at the meadows of Baisaran, unaware of the horrifying events that would soon take place. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists demanded that the tourists disclose their names and religions. They singled out non-muslim men and shot them, mostly at point-blank range, gruesomely in front of their families. Some were even asked to recite the Islamic declaration of faith, Kalma, to prove their religion. It was confirmed that 26 people, including 25 tourists and one pony ‘wallah’, who tried to save people, were killed in the attack. The attackers had escaped before the arrival of the security forces, and a search operation has been launched. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X. In response to the attack, the PM had convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CSS) on 23 April, joined by key ministers and national security officials to discuss the security situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also arrived at Pahalgam and paid respects to the deceased. Furthermore, the Anantnag Police, which has jurisdiction over Pahalgam, issued a cash reward of 20 Lakhs for any information that would aid in the neutralisation of the absconded terrorists. As the investigation into the perpetrators continues, the nation grapples with fear and shock at how terrorists breached all security, destroyed lives and broke apart families in just one afternoon.
25 Apr 2025
Sri Haritha Bandreddi
