Story Entries
1. The Attack
On April 22, 2025, five militants armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines launched a brutal assault on tourists in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam. The assailants reportedly segregated victims based on religion before opening fire, resulting in 26 fatalities, including 23 Indian nationals and two foreign tourists from Nepal and the UAE. Over 20 others sustained injuries.
2. Perpetrators and Motive
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. They cited opposition to the settlement of non-Kashmiris in the valley, alleging it was altering the region's demographic composition. Indian intelligence identified Saifullah Kasuri, a top LeT commander, as the mastermind behind the massacre.
3. National and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as "shocking and painful," vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. He cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the crisis. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting India at the time, expressed condolences and support. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned the violence, reaffirming U.S. solidarity with India.
4. Security Implications
The attack raises concerns about the security situation in Kashmir, especially in light of recent infrastructure developments aimed at boosting tourism, such as the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express train connecting Katra to Srinagar. Authorities are reassessing security protocols to prevent future incidents.
Comments
1 comment
Very sad news 😔