Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amit Shah Pays Tribute, Assures Strong Action

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | April 23, 2025 —
A deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 has left the country in shock. The attack, which targeted a group of civilians in the Baisaran Valley, resulted in 28 deaths and over 20 injuries. Many of the victims were tourists from different parts of India and abroad. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the region, paid tribute to the victims, and vowed that the perpetrators would face swift justice.

The Attack: A Brutal Assault on Innocent Civilians

The attack took place on the afternoon of April 22 when a group of tourists was trekking through Baisaran Valley, known for its stunning views and serene environment. According to eyewitnesses, a group of militants ambushed the tourists as they were enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The militants, reportedly armed with automatic weapons, opened fire indiscriminately on the group of civilians.

The attack has left 28 people dead, with the victims coming from various states, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Among the deceased were also three foreign nationals: two from Nepal and one from the UAE. The injured, over 20 in number, were quickly airlifted to hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag, with several in critical condition. The attack shocked not only the region but the entire country, as Pahalgam has long been known as a peaceful tourist destination.

The terrorists reportedly infiltrated the region through forested areas and launched the attack without warning. Initial investigations suggest the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based militant group, which has claimed responsibility for the attack. TRF is linked to the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba and has been behind several attacks in Kashmir in recent years.

Amit Shah’s Visit: Paying Tribute and Promising Action

In response to the tragedy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. He arrived in Srinagar and immediately proceeded to Pahalgam, where he visited the site of the attack to pay tribute to the victims. Shah laid floral wreaths at a memorial erected near the attack site and observed a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives.

During his visit, Shah was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Shah expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government would provide full support to the affected families.

“This was a cowardly and inhuman attack. The perpetrators will not be spared,” Shah stated in a press briefing. “We will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of civilians, especially tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir.”

In addition to paying tribute, Shah also visited several injured victims at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar. He reassured the victims and their families that the central government would provide all the necessary resources for their treatment and recovery. The Home Minister also discussed the ongoing security situation with senior officials and ordered additional measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists in the region.

Investigations and Security Response

Following the attack, security forces launched an extensive operation to track down the militants involved. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation, and forensic teams have been deployed to gather evidence from the site. The authorities believe that the militants were well-prepared, having conducted detailed surveillance of tourist activities in the region before launching the attack.

Local security agencies have been working with the Army and paramilitary forces to track down the perpetrators. Multiple search operations have been initiated across the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama, where militant groups have historically been active. According to intelligence sources, the militants likely crossed the border from Pakistan and used forest routes to reach the area undetected.

Shah emphasized the importance of enhancing intelligence-sharing between various security agencies to prevent future attacks. He assured the public that the government would continue its fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir until the last militant is eliminated.

In the wake of the attack, additional security personnel were deployed to safeguard popular tourist destinations in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, as the government works to restore confidence in the region’s tourism industry.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

The Pahalgam attack has been met with strong condemnation from political leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that the government would leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. “The entire nation stands with the victims of this barbaric act. We will not allow terrorism to disrupt the peace and unity of our country,” Modi said in a statement.

Opposition leaders have also condemned the attack. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it a “cowardly assault on innocent lives” and demanded stronger action to ensure the safety of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his sorrow and said that the attack highlighted the urgent need to strengthen counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Social media platforms were flooded with messages of grief and outrage. Hashtags such as #PahalgamAttack and #JusticeForVictims trended on Twitter, with citizens calling for swift justice and stronger measures against terrorism in Kashmir.

Economic Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism Industry

The attack has dealt a severe blow to the local economy, particularly in Pahalgam, which heavily relies on tourism. The picturesque town had been seeing an uptick in tourist arrivals after years of unrest, with many hoping for a revival of Kashmir’s once-thriving tourism industry. However, the attack has led to widespread cancellations, and many tourists have expressed concerns about their safety.

Local businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, have expressed fear over the long-term impact on tourism. Nazir Ahmad, a hotel owner in Pahalgam, expressed concern over the future of the tourism industry. “We were beginning to recover from the losses caused by the pandemic and past unrest. But now, this attack has once again created fear among visitors,” Ahmad said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced compensation for the families of the victims, offering ₹10 lakh for each death and ₹2 lakh for those injured. Trauma counseling services have also been made available to help survivors and their families cope with the psychological effects of the attack.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Security and Restoring Peace

The attack in Pahalgam serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. While security forces have made significant progress in recent years in reducing militant activity, attacks like this demonstrate the challenges that still remain in achieving lasting peace in the region.

The government has reiterated its commitment to countering terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians. Amit Shah’s visit underscored the government’s determination to take swift and decisive action against those who seek to destabilize the region.

“We will not rest until peace is fully restored in Kashmir,” Shah concluded during his visit. “Our fight against terrorism will continue relentlessly.”