In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, left 26 innocent people dead, most of whom were tourists. The attack occurred in South Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow, marking one of the deadliest strikes in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers specifically targeted men, asking victims about their religion before opening fire. This gruesome act has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society alike.
Among the victims, Sangita Gunbote recounted the horror she experienced as terrorists killed her husband, Kaustubh Gunbote, and his friend, Santosh Jagdale, in front of their families. "We immediately removed 'tikli' (bindi) from our foreheads and started chanting 'Allahu Akbar', hoping we would be spared. But, they still killed my husband, his friend and another person sitting nearby," she told veteran politician Sharad Pawar during a meeting on April 24. Thousands attended the funeral of the two friends at Pune's Vaikunth crematorium, where cries of sorrow and anger echoed as the community mourned their loss.
In the wake of the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an all-party meeting, where a resolution condemning the violence was adopted. Abdullah expressed deep shock and grief over the loss of life, stating, "Such cowardly acts of brutality against peaceful citizens have no place in society and are a direct assault on the values of Kashmiriyat and the idea of India." The meeting also hailed the bravery of pony guide Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who lost his life while trying to save tourists during the attack.
The Indian government responded swiftly, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announcing five key measures following the attack. These include the immediate suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, which will remain on hold until Islamabad ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. Additionally, India has expelled Pakistani military officials and reduced diplomatic staff in each other’s high commissions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated these measures were taken after the CCS was briefed on Pakistan’s involvement in the attack.
In a show of solidarity, various political leaders across India expressed their condolences and support for the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who curtailed his international visits to address the situation, stated, "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will crush terror masterminds." He emphasized that the attackers and their masterminds would face consequences “beyond their imagination.”
As the nation mourns, the situation in the region remains tense. Following the attack, over 10,000 tourists have left Srinagar, and the local economy is bracing for the impact of declining tourism. Amidst the chaos, six Kashmiri students fled their hostel in Dehradun after receiving threats to leave Uttarakhand, highlighting the rising concerns for the safety of Kashmiri Muslims.
The attack has also led to protests across India, with candlelight vigils and demonstrations condemning the violence. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP leaders organized a candle march, calling for justice for the victims. Meanwhile, the Karnataka cabinet passed a resolution against the terror attack, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing solidarity with the Indian government while also criticizing the intelligence failure that led to the tragedy.
Internationally, the Pahalgam terror attack has drawn attention and condemnation. The United States, through State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, expressed solidarity with India, stating, "The United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, and prays for the lives of those lost." Similarly, leaders from the UK, France, and Israel have reached out to Prime Minister Modi, offering their support and condemning the attack.
In a significant move, Pakistan has responded to India's actions by suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian carriers, further escalating tensions between the two nations. This closure will complicate flight routes, potentially adding hours to travel times for Indian airlines and affecting operational costs.
As the situation continues to develop, the Indian government has advised all Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave before their visas expire, and has urged Indian nationals in Pakistan to return home. This directive comes amidst fears of rising tensions and potential retaliatory actions.
In a related incident, two youths were arrested in Bulandshahr for posting objectionable content on social media regarding the attack, reflecting the heightened sensitivities surrounding the event. The authorities have condemned such actions as inflammatory, emphasizing the need for unity and peace in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Pahalgam terror attack has not only claimed lives but has also reignited discussions about security in Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who returned from a trip to the US, has pledged full support for the government's actions in response to the attack. He is scheduled to visit Srinagar to meet with the injured and their families.
As political leaders across the spectrum unite in their condemnation of the attack, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of citizens and restoring peace in the region. The community's resilience and solidarity in the face of such violence will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
