A deadly terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 28 Hindu pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, April 22, has sent shockwaves across India and beyond. The attack occurred in a conflict-prone region that has long been at the center of tensions between India and Pakistan.
The ambush took place in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Anantnag district. Militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on a group of non-Muslim tourists, killing at least 28 and injuring over 20 others.
The terrorists, reportedly six in number, were disguised in military uniforms and armed with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles. They emerged from nearby forests and began firing at close range, selectively targeting individuals based on their religion. Reports indicate they demanded that victims recite Islamic verses and allegedly checked for circumcision to distinguish Muslims from non-Muslims. Snipers were also used to target victims with chilling precision.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with wounded victims crying out for help and panic spreading throughout the scenic tourist spot. The attackers reportedly chose the location and timing strategically to maximize casualties and delay emergency response.
Victims
The deceased included 24 Indian tourists from various states, 2 local residents of Jammu and Kashmir, and 2 foreign nationals—one from Nepal and another from the United Arab Emirates. Among those killed were a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an intelligence official. Many of the injured were airlifted to hospitals due to the severity of their conditions.
Political and Strategic Background
This brutal attack comes in the wake of rising tensions in the region following India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The TRF claimed the attack was in response to “demographic changes” caused by the settlement of over 85,000 outsiders in the region since the policy shift.
India’s Response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and condemned the attack, vowing justice. Home Minister Amit Shah and other top officials rushed to Kashmir to coordinate security operations. Massive manhunts and lockdowns have been launched to capture the perpetrators.
Nationwide protests and vigils erupted, with citizens blaming Pakistan for supporting terrorist activities in the region.
Suspects and Investigation
Intelligence agencies have released images of suspected attackers, identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. The mastermind is believed to be Saifullah Khalid, a deputy leader in Lashkar-e-Taiba operating from Rawalkot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). He had reportedly warned of such an attack weeks earlier.
The attackers used high-tech equipment, including helmet-mounted cameras, possibly to record and publicize the assault. Four suspect images are circulating on social media, but Indian authorities have not officially released their photographs.
Misunderstanding with the Army
Following the attack, panicked tourists mistook arriving Indian Army personnel for militants due to the similar uniforms. Women and children were seen crying in fear until soldiers identified themselves and reassured them of their safety.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The massacre sparked widespread outrage, with Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, and Kamal Haasan expressing grief and condemnation.
Actor Sanjay Dutt tagged top officials in a tweet: “They brutally killed our people. This cannot be forgiven. Those terrorists must know we won’t stay silent. We must act.”
Ajay Devgn wrote, “The terror attack in Pahalgam has left me shaken. The victims were innocent, and what happened is beyond heartbreaking.”
Anushka Sharma called the attack “abhorrent and unforgettable,” while Alia Bhatt described the news from Pahalgam as “soul-crushing.”
Silence from Bachchan Sparks Debate
Amitabh Bachchan’s muted response—only tweeting a number without context—sparked criticism. Some interpret it as silence, while others suggest political sensitivity due to his wife Jaya Bachchan’s political affiliations.
This attack marks the deadliest terrorist strike in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. As tensions escalate again between India and Pakistan, the incident raises serious concerns over regional security, counterterrorism strategies, and communal harmony.