Pahalgam Terror Attack Timeline

1. When and Where Did the Attack Take Place?

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack targeted civilians in Baisaran Valley, a scenic meadow located near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This valley lies close to the route of the Amarnath Yatra, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages in the region. The area is also known for its tourism appeal, drawing visitors from India and abroad.

According to official sources, the attackers emerged from nearby dense forests in the afternoon and fired indiscriminately at tourists and local guides. The gunfire caused widespread panic among those present, many of whom were unable to find shelter in time.

2. How Many People Were Affected by the Attack?

The incident resulted in at least 28 fatalities and more than 20 injuries, making it one of the deadliest civilian terror attacks in India in recent years.

• Among the deceased were 24 Indian nationals from states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
• Two locals from the Kashmir Valley also lost their lives.
• Additionally, two foreign nationals—one from Nepal and another from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—were confirmed among the dead.

Several of the injured were airlifted to Srinagar for emergency medical care, while local hospitals managed minor injuries. Authorities have since confirmed that some victims remain in critical condition.

3. Who Claimed Responsibility for the Attack?

Responsibility for the attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a relatively new but active terrorist group in Jammu and Kashmir. TRF is believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has been involved in numerous past terror attacks in India.

In a statement released through unofficial online channels, TRF alleged that the attack was a response to the recent settlement of over 85,000 non-locals in Kashmir, which they described as an attempt to alter the region’s demographic composition. These claims have been dismissed by Indian officials as propaganda aimed at destabilizing the region.

4. How Did the Indian Government Respond?

The Indian government acted swiftly in response to the tragedy:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on a diplomatic visit, cut short his trip and returned to India immediately. In a statement, he condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence against innocents.”
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar to review the security situation. He held meetings with top officials of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, urging them to intensify counter-terror operations.
• A massive manhunt was launched across South Kashmir, with drone surveillance, forest combing operations, and road checkpoints established. Intelligence agencies are also investigating how the attackers managed to breach security in such a sensitive zone.
• A 24-hour helpline was set up by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department to help families of affected tourists and coordinate medical and logistical support.

5. What Was the International Reaction?

The attack received widespread international condemnation, highlighting the global concern over terrorism in South Asia:

• U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in India on an official visit, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and extended solidarity with the Indian people.
• The United Nations called the attack a “heinous act of terror” and urged for a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in Kashmir.
• The European Union, France, Germany, Nepal, and the UAE also expressed condolences and reaffirmed their support for counter-terrorism efforts.

These reactions emphasize the continued importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border terrorism.

6. What Is the Broader Impact of the Attack?

This attack has serious implications for regional stability, tourism, and peacebuilding efforts in Kashmir:

• It is being described as the deadliest civilian terror attack since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people.
• The incident comes at a time when tourism in Kashmir was witnessing a significant revival, with record footfall in 2024 and early 2025. The attack has already led to the cancellation of several tourist bookings, especially ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
• Following the attack, widespread protests broke out in various towns in Kashmir. While some protests were against terrorism, others reflected anxieties about security failures.
• Authorities have since increased military presence in sensitive regions, and schools and public institutions in Anantnag were temporarily closed.

Political analysts suggest that such attacks aim to disrupt improving conditions in Kashmir, especially in light of developmental efforts and the government’s plans to promote the region as a peaceful tourist destination.

Conclusion

The April 22 Baisaran Valley terror attack marks a tragic and alarming moment in the recent history of Jammu & Kashmir. It highlights the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism and the challenges of ensuring civilian safety in sensitive regions. As investigations continue and operations intensify, the focus remains on restoring peace, supporting the victims, and preventing such attacks in the future.