26 killed, 17 injured in attack on tourists in Kashmir, India.
At least 26 people were killed and 17 others injured in a terrorist attack at Baisaran grassland near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, India, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. It is the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in nearly two decades. Security forces have responded significantly following the attack, with the Indian Army launching a search for the perpetrators and beefing up security across the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia to return to New Delhi and the government has taken steps to assist tourists traveling out of the region.
Details
Details of the attack: The attack took place at Baisaran grassland, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the resort town of Pahalgam. Suspected militants opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including 24 Indian tourists, a Nepalese tourist and a local guide. At least 17 others were injured.
Security response: Security has been significantly beefed up in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Thousands of armed police and soldiers have been deployed, and additional checkpoints have been set up. The search for the perpetrators is ongoing, and former militants have been summoned for questioning.
Political reactions: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi, cutting short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the attack and vowed to take strong action against the perpetrators. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm and announced that the government was assisting tourists who wanted to leave the region.
Impact on tourism: The attack is expected to have a significant impact on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector, which has seen a boom in recent years. The region has been promoted as a tourist-friendly destination, and the attack has led to a mass exodus of tourists and cancellation of travel plans.
Claim of responsibility: A little-known militant group called "Kashmir Resistance" claimed responsibility for the attack, expressing discontent over the settlement of non-locals in the region. However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.
International condemnation: The attack has been strongly condemned by the international community, including the Chinese Ambassador to India, who strongly condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Protests and security measures: Protests have been reported in several places, especially in the Satwari area of Jammu. Security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up 24/7 emergency help desks for tourists in Srinagar and Anantnag districts.
The attack marks a significant shift in the regional conflict, as tourists have been largely spared in previous incidents. The impact on the tourism sector and broader peace and economic development efforts in the region is expected to be huge.