Jammu-Kashmir: At least 25 Dead,12 Injured In Major Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam, Tourists and Civilians Targeted

A video from the attack site has surfaced, showing several people lying unconscious and bloodied on the ground, with female tourists crying and searching for their loved ones. The authenticity of the video has not been verified.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the number of fatalities is still being determined. In a post on X, he said, "This attack is far larger than any attack on civilians in recent years."

He added, "I am utterly shocked. This attack on our visitors is despicable. The perpetrators of this attack are beasts, inhuman, and deserving of contempt. No words are strong enough to condemn it. I express my condolences to the families of the deceased."

Abdullah further noted, "I will return to Srinagar immediately. The death toll is being ascertained, so I cannot provide more details at this time. An official statement will be issued once the situation becomes clearer. This attack is significantly larger than any civilian attack in recent years."

The attack comes at a time when Kashmir has seen a surge in tourist arrivals after years of grappling with terrorism. Additionally, the 38-day Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3.

Authorities reported that a helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the injured, while some were brought down from the meadows on mules by locals. A doctor at Pahalgam Hospital confirmed that 12 injured tourists were admitted, and all are in stable condition.

A woman present at the site during the attack told , "My husband was shot in the head, and seven others were also injured in the attack."

Initial reports suggest the terrorists emerged from the dense forests around Baisaran, a location popular with Bollywood filmmakers in the 1980s. A senior police officer stated that the army, CRPF, and local police reached the Baisaran meadows shortly after the news broke. A large-scale anti-terror operation has been launched to track down the attackers, with security forces deployed in all directions.

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Terrorist attack in #Pahalgam (Kashmir)!

Terrorists identified harmless tourists & did a cowardly attack on them.

Is end of Terrorism & establishment of Normalcy in Kashmir claims of #ModiGovt really… pic.twitter.com/iiQ6UL9bq2

— Dipankar Kumar Das (@titu_dipankar) April 22, 2025

Baisaran is a major tourist attraction in Pahalgam, accessible by mules, offering scenic views of Pahalgam town and the Lidder Valley en route.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, condemned the attack on X, writing, "The cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu-Kashmir, targeting tourists, resulting in deaths and injuries, is highly condemnable and heart-wrenching. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

He added, "The entire nation stands united against terrorism. Instead of hollow claims about normalcy in Jammu-Kashmir, the government must take accountability and concrete steps to prevent such barbaric incidents in the future, so innocent Indians do not lose their lives."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu-Kashmir. The entire nation stands united against cross-border terrorism. These cowardly attacks are a stain on humanity. Reports indicate that many precious lives have been lost."

 He added, "On behalf of the Congress party, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims' families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured. India's national security is paramount, and we urge the Government of India to take corrective measures to ensure it."