Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Killed, Global Leaders Condemn Barbaric Act

Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Killed, Global Leaders Condemn Barbaric Act

MOHAN KHOUND

A horrific terrorist attack in the tranquil Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left at least 26 people dead (reported till now), including two foreign tourists, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the assault is the deadliest in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

The tragedy has plunged India into mourning, ignited political debates, and drawn widespread international condemnation, amplifying calls for decisive action against terrorism.

The Attack and Its Human Toll

On Tuesday afternoon, armed militants emerged from the dense forests surrounding Baisaran, a scenic trekking destination dubbed “Mini Switzerland,” and opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. The attackers left a trail of devastation, with official sources reporting several others wounded, some critically.

The death toll may rise as hospitals struggle to treat the injured, though the government has yet to release official casualty figures.

Among the victims was Santosh Jagdale, a 54-year-old businessman from Pune. His daughter, Asavari Jagdale, recounted the chilling details to PTI. “We were a group of five, including my parents, in Baisaran Valley when the firing began,” the 26-year-old said. “The terrorists asked my father to recite an Islamic verse. When he couldn’t, they shot him thrice: in the head, behind the ear, and in the back.”

Her uncle was also gunned down, and Asavari remains uncertain about their survival. She, her mother, and another female relative were spared and evacuated to Pahalgam Club by locals, some of whom recited Islamic verses to appease the attackers.

Asavari noted the terrorists cursed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and denied that Kashmiri militants target civilians, revealing a mix of ideological and propagandist motives. The attack, which began around 3:30 p.m., saw delayed response from security forces, who arrived 20 minutes later.

Government and Political Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit, cut short his trip and returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, he convened an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Delhi airport to assess the crisis.

The attack has sparked nationwide outrage, with officials describing it as one of the most brutal targeting civilians in recent memory. Modi’s swift return and high-level consultations signal the government’s intent to project a strong response, though opposition leaders have begun questioning the security apparatus.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose National Conference government has prioritized tourism to bolster the region’s economy, condemned the attack in unequivocal terms. “This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years. I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt,” he said.

Abdullah’s statement reflects the delicate balance his administration must strike between condemning terrorism and maintaining Jammu and Kashmir’s image as a safe destination.

The opposition, led by Congress, has seized on the attack to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government’s handling of security in Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Abdullah, and Congress’ J&K unit president Tariq Karra to stay updated on the situation.

In a veiled critique, Gandhi emphasized the need for “accountability and a robust response,” hinting at perceived lapses in intelligence and security preparedness. Congress leaders have pointed to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, a flagship BJP policy, arguing that the promised stability in the region remains elusive. The BJP, in turn, has accused the opposition of politicizing a national tragedy, with party spokespersons defending the government’s counterterrorism measures and highlighting the global support India has received.

International Condemnation

The attack has reverberated globally, with world leaders expressing solidarity with India. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a call with PM Modi, condemned the “heinous attack” and offered full support to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, described the attack as a “brutal crime” with “no justification whatsoever,” pledging Russia’s continued cooperation in fighting terrorism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack “barbaric” on X, affirming, “Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sorrow and solidarity, while U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, on his first visit to India, noted the country’s beauty and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

The European Union, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, condemned the attack and reiterated its stance against terrorism. Germany’s Foreign Office called it a “brutal attack” with “no justification for the killing of innocent people.” The UAE and benjamin Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the violence, with the latter emphasizing its rejection of acts undermining stability. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity, reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and security.

Political and Strategic Implications

The attack’s timing, during a period of relative calm in the Kashmir Valley, has raised alarm about the resurgence of militancy. Pahalgam’s status as a tourist hub makes the targeting of visitors particularly damaging, threatening the region’s economic recovery and India’s global image as a safe destination. The TRF’s involvement underscores the persistent challenge of Pakistan-backed terrorism, a contentious issue in India-Pakistan relations.

Political analysts suggest the attack could escalate tensions, with the BJP government likely to adopt a hardline stance, possibly intensifying border security measures or diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Domestically, the attack has reignited debates over Jammu and Kashmir’s security framework. The BJP’s narrative of post-Article 370 stability is under scrutiny, as opposition parties demand a parliamentary discussion on the region’s governance and counterterrorism strategy.

Chief Minister Abdullah, caught between local expectations and central directives, faces pressure to restore confidence in his administration’s ability to protect residents and visitors. The attack’s fallout may also influence upcoming political engagements, including potential statehood restoration talks, a key promise in the National Conference’s manifesto.

As India grapples with grief and anger, the government’s next steps will be closely watched. The unified global condemnation offers diplomatic leverage, but the onus remains on New Delhi to deliver justice and prevent future tragedies. For now, the nation mourns, and families like Asavari Jagdale’s await answers about their loved ones.

23-04-2025

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