Deadly Terror Attack in Kashmir; Pakistan Denies Involvement

Deadly Terror Attack in Kashmir; Pakistan Denies Involvement

On April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked tourists in Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, killing at least 26 people. Over 20 others were injured. The victims included 24 Indian tourists, two locals, and two foreigners from Nepal and the UAE. The attack is one of the deadliest in Kashmir in recent years.

Indian paramilitary personnel stand guard near the town of Pahalgam, south of Srinagar, following an attack on tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory on Tuesday. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images)

A group called The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. They said the attack was due to India settling over 85,000 “outsiders” in Kashmir, causing a “demographic change.” Indian officials suspect four attackers were involved, including two from Pakistan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “heinous act” and vowed to bring the attackers to justice. He cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to address the crisis. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and promised harsh consequences. Security forces launched a manhunt, and the National Investigation Agency began probing the attack.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif denied any involvement. He said the attack was “home-grown” and linked to unrest in Indian states like Kashmir and Nagaland. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences but called Kashmir “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.”

The attack has sparked protests across Kashmir and India. Many blame Pakistan for supporting terrorism. Kashmir’s tourism, a key part of the local economy, may suffer. The region has seen less violence in recent years, but this attack raises fears of rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

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