Pahalgam:
Twenty-six tourists were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam today, in the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times. Military choppers have been pressed into service for the evacuation of those injured in the attack, as the area is only accessible on foot or horseback. Union Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar, where he will hold an urgent security review meeting with all agencies. Earlier, he briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who asked him to visit the attack site.
Gunshots were heard in Pahalgam‘s Baisaran Valley, a meadow atop a hill. Witnesses said terrorists walked out of the woods and started firing indiscriminately. Distressing visuals showed several lying motionless on the ground and many women pleading for help.
The attack comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and US Vice President JD Vance is in India. PM Modi, strongly condemning the attack, said the government’s “resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger”. “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” he added.
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
Mr Vance also condemned the “devastating terrorist attack”. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he said.
Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025
Soon after the attack, Amit Shah called a meeting at his home in Delhi, which was attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the sources said. CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhatand some Army officials also joined the meeting through video conferencing. Mr Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added.
On Camera, Tourists’ Horror In Pahalgam: “A Man Came And Shot My Husband”
An anti-terror operation has been launched to neutralise terrorists, informed Mr Sinha, asserting the “perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act”.
Pahalgam, known for its forests, crystal-clear lakes and sprawling meadows, is a popular tourist spot and draws thousands of visitors every summer.
Tourists From Maharashtra, Karnataka Among Those Dead
Two tourists from Maharashtra and one from Karnataka were among those killed in Pahalgam. A realtor from Shivamogga district in Karnataka was allegedly shot dead in front of his wife and son. As news broke about the man’s death, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior officials to gather information.
Two tourists – identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone – from Maharashtra have lost their lives, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Two others were injured in this terrorist attack, he said.
“Abomination”
Terming the attack an “abomination”, Omar Abdullah said he was “shocked beyond belief”. “The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased,” he posted on X.
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
“Needless to say, this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” he added.
The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to bring those behind the “despicable attack” to justice. He said he has spoken to the director general of police and other security officials. “Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” he said.
The attack comes during the peak tourist season in the Valley and also when registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra is going on across the country. The 38-day pilgrimage is set to begin from July 3, from two routes – the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the other 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, which is shorter but steeper.
During his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting, where he gave orders for the complete eradication of terrorism with special focus on the Jammu division. He also gave directions to ensure zero tolerance to infiltration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the dastardly attack an “act of cowardice and highly reprehensible”.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on tourists and said, “Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced”.
“Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” she added.
“These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir,” BJP’s Ravinder Raina said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the “dastardly attack”, calling it “a blot on humanity”.
I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism.
These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 22, 2025
The attack on tourists comes at a time when the Union Territory is witnessing a boost in tourism, which was severely hit by terrorism for years. It is the deadliest attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama attack in 2019. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in the line of action in a suicide attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama.
Helplines for assistance on Pahalgam terror attack:
Emergency Control Room – Srinagar:
0194-2457543, 0194-2483651
Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623
24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag
9596777669 | 01932-225870
WhatsApp: 9419051940
Helplines by Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Department:
Please contact the following numbers for any assistance and information:
8899931010
8899941010
99066 63868 (Nissar Asst Director Tourism )
99069 06115 (Mudassir Tourist Officer)
