At least 26 Dead and 17 Injured in Tragic Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

At least 26 Dead and 17 Injured in Tragic Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, April 23, 2025 (Reuters): A devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir, has left at least 26 tourists dead and 17 others injured, according to a Reuters report. Police stated that the attack occurred on Tuesday and is being described as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in India over the past two decades.

Srinagar, April 23, 2025 (Reuters): A devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir, has left at least 26 tourists dead and 17 others injured, according to a Reuters report. Police stated that the attack occurred on Tuesday and is being described as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in India over the past two decades.

Police confirmed that among the deceased, 25 were Indian nationals and one was from Nepal. The attack took place in a scenic mountainous valley, popular with tourists for its natural beauty.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Minister cut short their overseas visits and returned to India. The government has convened an emergency meeting and launched immediate measures to manage the crisis.

Shutdown Called in Protest, Tourists Flee the Region

Local organizations have called for a shutdown in protest against the brutal attack on tourists. Concerns over security have escalated, prompting many tourists to leave Kashmir swiftly.

Extra Flights Arranged to Evacuate Tourists

To expedite the evacuation of tourists, additional flights are being operated from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that four special flights to Delhi and Mumbai have already been launched, with more on standby.

He added, “Instructions have been issued to airlines to prevent any undue hike in airfares.”

Longstanding Conflict in Kashmir

The Kashmir region has been plagued by militancy and separatist violence since 1989, although the intensity of violence had decreased in recent years. However, the Indian central government’s decision in 2019 to revoke Kashmir’s special constitutional status further strained India-Pakistan relations.

International Response and Political Context

The Pakistani government has expressed concern over the loss of tourist lives in the attack and strongly condemned the violence against innocent civilians.

This incident has revived memories of another deadly attack last June, when nine Hindu pilgrims were killed and 33 others injured during a similar assault.

Security has been tightened at both government and private levels, and investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators behind the attack.