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Security forces and medical team were swiftly deployed to the scene.
Security personnel rush to the spot after terrorists attacked a group of tourists at Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 22, 2025
Home Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar to take stock of the situation. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dialed Shah from Saudi Arabia and urged him to rush to the spot immediately.
Gunfire was reported from the upper meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam - an area accessible only by foot or horseback. The assailants were reportedly dressed in camouflage, and authorities suspect this was a targeted assault.
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
In response, Shah convened a high-level meeting at his residence in Delhi, attended by Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
Pahalgam, famed for its scenic beauty with forests, glacial lakes and expansive meadows, is a major tourist destination that sees heavy footfall each summer. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident, calling it an "abomination" and expressing his deep shock. "The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased," he posted on X.
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
"Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years," he added.
The incident took place during the height of the tourist season in the Valley, and as registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra is ongoing. This year's 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on 3rd July, with pilgrims choosing either the 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter, steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
During a recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Shah had chaired a key security review meeting, directing forces to root out terrorism, with particular attention on the Jammu region. He also stressed the importance of a "zero tolerance" policy towards infiltration. People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack, stating, "Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced."
"Kashmir has historically welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks," she added. "These cowardly terrorists have targeted unarmed innocent tourists who had come to visit Kashmir," said BJP's Ravinder Raina.