In a shocking and brutal act of terrorism, a group of tourists have been targeted by terrorists in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier today. The attack left one tourist dead and at least six others injured with many reports claiming casualty figures running even higher. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the dastardly terror attack.
According to initial reports, the terrorists approached the tourists, asked for their names, and checked their identities seemingly to verify their religion before opening fire. A witness in one of the viral videos revealed that the terrorists shot at her husband after confirming that he was not a Muslim. Videos shared by journalist Aditya Raj Kaul show heart-wrenching visuals of bloodied victims lying on the ground, while women cry for help for their injured husbands.
https://x.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1914638301060866510
The attack occurred in Baisaran Valley, a meadow accessible only on foot or horseback, nestled in Pahalgam an immensely popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The terrorists were reportedly in camouflage, suggesting the ambush was a premeditated, targeted strike on civilians.
After getting briefing about the dastardly attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate stock of the situation. Shah has called a high-level emergency meeting in Delhi with senior officials including Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Shah also spoke to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the security situation.
Terrorists instructed tourists in Pahalgam to show their IDs and remove their pants, non-Muslims were then singled out and shot dead. MONSTERS.
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) April 22, 2025
As per the horrid details emerging from the Pahalgam terror attack, the terrorists seemingly did religious profiling reportedly employing notorious ploy used during earlier terror attacks. As per claims being made on social media, which are yet to be independably verified, the terrorists asked tourists to remove their pants/trousers to do religious profiling. One of the victim has, however, already confirmed that terrorist gunned down her husband after ensuring that he was not a Muslim.
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it an “abomination” and stating he was “shocked beyond belief.” He further added that the brutality of this assault surpasses any recent violence aimed at civilians.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed similar sentiments, stating that such violence is “unacceptable and must be denounced.” She stressed the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and future safety for visitors.
BJP’s J&K chief Ravinder Raina termed the attackers as “cowardly terrorists” who targeted “unarmed innocent tourists.”
This heinous attack comes at a crucial time, with the registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra ongoing and peak tourist season in full swing. The pilgrimage, which starts July 3, includes the Pahalgam route, raising serious security concerns.
Security forces continue to comb the area while the injured are being treated at nearby hospitals.
