Srinagar, April 23, 2025 – Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack during a somber wreath-laying ceremony at the Police Control Room in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which struck Baisaran meadow in Anantnag district on April 22, 2025, killed at least 26 people, including tourists and a Navy officer, marking it as one of the deadliest civilian assaults in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
The attack, orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), targeted a large group of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran meadow, a popular destination known as “Mini Switzerland.” Disguised as security personnel, three to four militants opened fire on approximately 1,000–1,500 visitors, selectively targeting men in a 20-minute rampage. The assault left 26 dead, including two foreign nationals, and several others injured. Survivors shared harrowing accounts, with one tourist, Riya Malhotra, recalling a militant sparing her with the chilling directive, “Go, tell your Prime Minister what you witnessed.”
Shah, who arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday evening, was joined by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior security officials to honor the victims, including Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal. Addressing the gathering, Shah condemned the attack as a “despicable act of cowardice” and vowed that the perpetrators would face severe consequences. He later chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhavan, attended by the Director General of Police, Intelligence Bureau officials, and Chief Minister Abdullah, where he ordered intensified anti-terror operations across the region.
Shah is slated to visit the attack site in Pahalgam on Wednesday to evaluate the situation and consult with local authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi Arabia visit in response to the tragedy, denounced the attack as “an assault on humanity” and promised swift justice. The Indian Army and J&K Police have launched a large-scale search operation in the Baisaran area, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the investigation.
The attack has sparked widespread grief and outrage across India. President Droupadi Murmu described it as a “grievous blow to peace,” calling for a united front against terrorism. Opposition leaders, including Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the government to bolster security in Jammu and Kashmir. Candlelight vigils were held in Srinagar, Jammu, Kupwara, and Poonch, with residents and tourists alike mourning the loss of lives and condemning the violence. In Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, hundreds gathered, holding placards demanding peace and justice.
Globally, the attack drew sharp condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump labeled it “a horrific act” and pledged solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Leaders from France, Iran, and the UAE also expressed condolences, with the UAE calling the attack a “vile crime against innocent civilians.” The international response has reinforced global support for India’s fight against terrorism.
The attack has raised alarm about tourist safety in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that saw a tourism surge with over two million visitors in 2024. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that flights to Srinagar would operate as scheduled, with airlines like Air India and SpiceJet offering free rescheduling and refunds. Authorities have committed to strengthening security at tourist sites, including deploying additional personnel and advanced surveillance, to reassure visitors and locals.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers exploited minimal security at Baisaran meadow, a remote but popular tourist spot. The incident has prompted calls for better monitoring of such areas without compromising their accessibility. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the public that the government is taking “urgent measures” to prevent future attacks while encouraging tourists to continue visiting Kashmir.
The Pahalgam terror attack has underscored the persistent threat of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the region strives for peace and prosperity. Amit Shah’s tributes and the government’s decisive actions reflect a resolute commitment to eradicating terrorism and delivering justice for the victims. As the nation grieves, it stands united in its determination to overcome this tragedy and build a safer future.