Indian security forces have initiated a large-scale manhunt following a devastating militant attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, where at least 26 tourists were killed and 17 others injured on April 22, 2025. The assault, marking the deadliest on civilians in the region since 2008, has prompted nationwide outrage and heightened tensions with Pakistan.
Attack Details and Casualties
The attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination. Four gunmen, emerging from a forested area, opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. The victims included individuals from various Indian states, as well as a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official.
The militant group “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to demographic changes in the region following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special autonomous status in 2019.
Government Response and Security Measures
In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to oversee the government’s response. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a strong retaliatory response, stating that those responsible would face consequences. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the region to assess the situation and coordinate security efforts.
Security forces have intensified operations across the region, establishing checkpoints, conducting searches, and deploying helicopters to locate the perpetrators. The National Investigation Agency has released sketches of three suspects linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, with intelligence identifying Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, as the mastermind behind the attack.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Stability
The attack has severely impacted the region’s tourism industry, which had been experiencing a revival. Authorities have facilitated the evacuation of tourists, with additional flights arranged from Srinagar. The incident has also reignited concerns over regional stability, with increased tensions between India and Pakistan.
Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.
Conclusion
As the manhunt continues, Indian authorities remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. The attack underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring security and stability in the region, particularly in the face of evolving militant threats.
