Horrific Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam: A Dark Day for Indian Tourism

In a tragic and horrifying turn of events, a brutal terror attack on tourists took place at Baisaran Valley, a peaceful destination near Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. On Tuesday, April 22, a group of 6–7 heavily armed terrorists stormed a luxury resort and opened indiscriminate fire on innocent tourists, leading to a massacre that has shaken the nation and the world.

This shocking incident marks one of the worst attacks on civilians—particularly tourists—in Kashmir’s recent history. The terrorists deliberately targeted tourists, reportedly focusing on individuals from the Hindu community. The brutality of this act has left the country grieving and demanding justice.

Selective Targeting and Communal Motive

According to preliminary reports, the terrorists allegedly verified the religion of their victims by forcing them to remove their pants (in some cases). Those identified as Hindus were shot on the spot. The attack appears to be motivated by a dangerous and divisive ideology, seeking to instill fear among specific religious communities.

So far, 28 deaths have been confirmed, including two foreign nationals (from Israel and Italy), two local residents, and several tourists from across India. Over a couple of dozen people were critically injured.

One of the most heart-wrenching scenes involved a newlywed woman seen sitting beside her husband’s lifeless body. The couple had arrived in Kashmir to celebrate their honeymoon, a trip that turned into an unimaginable tragedy. In another horrifying case, a businessman from Shivamogga, Karnataka, was shot dead in front of his wife and son.

An officer from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), based in West Bengal, was also killed in front of his wife and daughter. Additionally, a software engineer who had returned from the U.S. to spend time with family lost his life during what was supposed to be a peaceful vacation.

The terrorists spared the women in most cases but inflicted deep psychological trauma. As one grieving widow shared, when she begged the gunmen to kill her too, they responded coldly, saying, “Go and tell Modi.”

Who Is Behind the Attack?

The Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the attack, confirming Pakistan’s direct or indirect involvement. The group has a long history of targeting India, but this attack, aimed at civilians and tourists, especially Hindus, crosses an unprecedented line of cruelty and communal hatred.

A Call for Retaliation: No More Mercy

This is not just a tragedy—it is a declaration of war on India’s sovereignty, unity, and humanity. The time for restraint is over. India must respond decisively and with the strength of a nation that will never tolerate terror on its soil. The path ahead must reflect the resolve of nations like Israel—swift, uncompromising, and relentless.

Our forces—the Army, Air Force, Navy, and intelligence units—are ready. Their hearts burn with the grief of the innocent lives lost and the determination to avenge every drop of blood spilled. This must be a mission of complete justice, targeting not just those who pulled the trigger, but also those who planned, funded, supported, or sheltered them.

Historically, even during the worst phases of terrorism in Kashmir, tourists were not targeted. The violence was aimed primarily at Indian security forces, who responded each time with unmatched courage and precision. But this time, the attack crossed all limits—they chose soft targets, innocent civilians, and selectively targeted Hindus.

Religious Targeting: A Dangerous Ideology Unmasked

This attack was not only an act of terror—it was a hate crime. The terrorists reportedly identified and targeted Hindus, revealing a disturbing agenda. The myth that “terrorism has no religion” rings hollow in the face of such clearly motivated violence.

This incident exposes a bitter reality: a Religious-Jihadist ideology that seeks to eliminate other faiths—especially Hindus in this context. Such ideological terrorism cannot be ignored or downplayed.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror outfit, has already claimed responsibility, making it evident that Pakistan’s hand in this attack is not indirect—it is active and deliberate. The question now arises: Is Pakistan now fueling religious division within India as part of its larger terror strategy?

If so, they will not succeed. India stands united—not divided. And we believe that millions of patriotic Indian Muslims continue to stand firmly with the nation, rejecting the venom of radicalism. At the same time, the Indian government is preparing for a response that will not only dismantle the terror infrastructure but also send a strong message across the globe: India will not be broken.

Government and Security Response So Far

In immediate response to the tragedy, Honourable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reached Kashmir on the same day, April 22. He has since held several high-level meetings with military and intelligence officials to assess the situation and discuss strong countermeasures. In a tweet, he condemned the attack and assured the nation of a fitting and firm response.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, has cut short his trip and is returning to India. He too expressed his condolences and resolve on social media, declaring that such abominable acts will get the strongest punishment without mercy.

Meanwhile, security operations in the region are in full swing. Search and combing operations have intensified across the Anantnag district and the entire Kashmir. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces have sealed off forest zones and potential escape routes.

So far, two terrorists have been neutralized, though initial reports suggest they may not be directly involved in the Baisaran Valley attack. Sketches of the suspects are currently being prepared, and intelligence agencies believe some attackers may be locals or temporary residents, while others are believed to have crossed over from Pakistan.

The terrain of Baisaran Valley, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains, presents serious challenges. However, officials remain confident that the perpetrators will be located and captured or eliminated, or imprisoned soon.

Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism and Local Economy

Kashmir, often hailed as “Heaven on Earth,” had seen a revival in tourism following the abrogation of Article 370 and increased governmental efforts to promote peace and development. Millions of tourists from India and abroad had begun returning to explore popular destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, etc., while several offbeat spots like Yusmarg stole the attention of the peace-loving tourists. Local businesses and villagers started witnessing significant economic growth for the first time in decades.

This horrific act of terror, however, threatens to undo the hard-won progress. It strikes not just at innocent lives but also at the heart of Kashmir’s fragile economic resurgence, casting fear and uncertainty over the entire region.

A Nation Mourns—and Demands Action

This act of cowardice and communal hatred is not just an attack on individuals—it is an attack on the spirit of unity, peace, and tourism that Kashmir has been striving to rebuild. While any loss of life is tragic, the targeted killing of Hindu tourists adds a sinister dimension that must be addressed with urgency and resolve.

We, at Team Travel Entice, extend our deepest condolences to the families of all the victims. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and demand that the Indian government take strong, decisive action to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

Final Words

Selective killings based on religion are not only inhumane but a direct threat to the pluralistic fabric of our nation. We urge the government to launch a swift and powerful response, one that not only brings the perpetrators to justice but also sends a clear message: India will not tolerate terrorism in any form.

This is the time to stand united—not just as Hindus, Muslims, or any other community—but as Indians. Let us ensure that the land of Kashmir remains a symbol of peace and tourism, but not a playground for terror.