Srinagar – 22 April 2025: The Pahalgam attack in Kashmir killed 27 tourists and injured 12 others after attackers opened fire on a tourist group Tuesday. Attackers targeted tourists in Baisarana village, located in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir. Authorities described it as the worst such attack in years.
Although officials have not confirmed the final toll, police sources anonymously stated the number due to media restrictions. Security forces responded quickly and killed five attackers during the operation. Police moved the injured to a nearby hospital.
The Pahalgam attack in Kashmir occurred at a time of increased summer tourism in the region, known for scenic landscapes. Attacks on tourists remain rare but not unheard of. In June 2023, nine were killed in a bus ambush involving Hindu pilgrims.
Meanwhile, sources linked to the attackers claimed the operation opposed alleged Indian resettlement plans for non-Kashmiris. They described the attack as an act of resistance and called it part of Kashmir’s right to self-determination under international law.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Saudi Arabia, phoned Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to visit the attack site. In response, Shah called an emergency meeting at his Delhi residence with top intelligence and security officials. He also spoke with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the situation.
Despite reduced violence in recent years, occupied Kashmir still faces heavy military deployment, with around 500,000 Indian soldiers stationed. In 2023, India hosted a G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar, promoting an image of peace following the 2019 autonomy revocation.
Disclaimer: This news is verified and authentic, based on credible sources from Occupied Kashmir.
