Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – April 23, 2025:
Shock and outrage have gripped the nation following a horrific terrorist attack in the serene town of Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination nestled in the Himalayas of Indian-administered Kashmir. Twenty-six innocent tourists lost their lives, and several others were grievously injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of travelers on Tuesday.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, multiple reports in the media suggest that the attack may have been carried out by terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The government has yet to confirm this.
In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia, returning to New Delhi to assess the situation and oversee the response.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society, and citizens alike. Advocate Arsalan Khalid, a vocal legal and political commentator, has strongly condemned the incident, demanding urgent and concrete action from the central government.
“Today terrorists have carried out a cowardly attack in Kashmir valley,” Advocate Khalid stated.
“We want this government to take some concrete steps against those behind this attack as soon as possible. This government used to say repeatedly that we have made Kashmir terror-free, but why is the condition of Kashmir like this today? The government will have to answer this. Strict steps should be taken against the terrorists.”
This brutal attack has brought back grim memories of past insurgent violence in the valley, though attacks targeting civilians—particularly tourists—are extremely rare in recent years. The region has long been marred by a separatist insurgency, with both India and Pakistan claiming the territory in full but administering separate parts.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a press briefing, called the incident “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” and assured that security forces have launched a wide-scale manhunt to track down those responsible.
The injured are being treated at multiple hospitals across the region, with some reportedly in critical condition. The security presence in and around Pahalgam and nearby tourist hubs has been intensified, and travel advisories are being updated to ensure the safety of visitors and locals.
As the nation mourns yet another tragic loss of innocent lives, citizens and public figures continue to demand accountability, transparency, and stronger security measures in the volatile region.
