THE PAHALGAM ATTACK

On April 22, 2025, the serene Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by a brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists and injured over 20 others. This incident, the deadliest targeting civilians in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has not only plunged India into mourning but also escalated tensions with neighboring Pakistan.

Around midday, five militants armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines descended upon the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination accessible only by foot or horseback. Dressed in military-style uniforms, the assailants targeted tourists, predominantly Hindus, in a calculated and brutal manner. Survivors recounted that the attackers demanded victims to recite Islamic verses and checked for circumcision to determine their religion.

Those identified as non-Muslims were executed at close range. A local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, attempted to intervene and was killed in the process. The attackers spared a woman, instructing her to "narrate the horrors" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the massacre. In a statement, TRF cited opposition to the Indian government's policy of granting residency permits to non-Kashmiris, alleging it was altering the region's demographic composition. Indian intelligence identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the mastermind behind the attack.

The victims hailed from various Indian states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Among the deceased were three Indian government officials: officers from the Indian Air Force and Navy, and an Intelligence Bureau official.

Two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates also lost their lives. Local residents, including members of the pony-handlers association, played a crucial role in rescuing the injured, transporting them to medical facilities using ponies and improvised stretchers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as "shocking and painful," cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the crisis. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also expressed their condolences.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the government's Kashmir policy but pledged support in combating terrorism. Internationally, leaders from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates condemned the attack and extended their sympathies.

In response to the attack, India took several measures:

• Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

• Revoked visas for Pakistani nationals and closed the main border crossing.

• Expelled Pakistani diplomats and withdrew its own from Islamabad.

• Launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, with increased military operations in the region.

Pakistan denied involvement, with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif calling for an international investigation. In retaliation, Pakistan suspended visas for Indian nationals, closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, and warned that any violation of the water treaty would be considered an "act of war."

The Indian government is considering permanent deployment of Army and paramilitary forces in the region to prevent future attacks. A detailed review of security arrangements is underway, especially in light of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which passes through Pahalgam. The attack has also led to a significant decrease in tourism, with many visitors leaving the region amid safety concerns.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack has not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but has also intensified the already strained relations between India and Pakistan. As investigations continue and security measures are reinforced, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

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