Key Facts of the Attack:

• Date and Location: The attack occurred on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. Baisaran is a popular tourist spot, often called "mini Switzerland."   

  Casualties: Tragically, 26 people were killed, including both domestic and  foreign tourist . Many others were injured.
     
  Perpetrators: The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-backed terrorist organization, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence sources suggest the module involved is controlled by Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, operating from Pakistan.   

  Modus Operandi: Eyewitness accounts suggest that multiple militants dressed in combat uniforms and armed with assault rifles methodically targeted tourists. Some reports indicate the terrorists asked victims their names and forced them to recite Islamic verses before opening fire, suggesting a chilling religious dimension to the attack where Hindus and non-Muslims were specifically targeted.   

  Weapons: There are reports suggesting the use of US-made M4 rifles, possibly obtained from Taliban caches post the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, raising concerns about the proliferation of such weaponry.   

Current Situation and Aftermath:

• Security Response: A joint combing operation by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police was launched in the area. Security has been beefed up across the Kashmir Valley, with increased checkpoints and deployment of quick reaction teams.   

  
  Identification of Suspects: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have released sketches of three suspects linked to the attack, including two Pakistani nationals (Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha) and a local resident (Abdul Hussain Thokar). A cash reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for information leading to their capture.   

  Demolition of Terrorists' Homes: Authorities have demolished the houses of at least two local terrorists (Adil Thokar and Asif Sheikh) believed to be involved in the attack.   

India's Diplomatic Response:

• India has taken strong retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including:

  • Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • Closure of the Attari-Wagah border.  
  • Expulsion of Pakistani military advisors and a reduction of diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.  
  • Cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals and a 48-hour ultimatum for them to leave India.  
  • Suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals.  

Reactions & Responses

• • Political Reactions: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to hunt down the perpetrators. An all-party meeting was convened to discuss the security situation. Various political leaders have condemned the attack.   
  • Public Response: A complete shutdown was observed across the Kashmir Valley in protest against the killings. Demonstrations condemning the attack have taken place in J&K and other parts of India.   
  • Impact on Tourism: The attack has severely impacted the tourism sector in Kashmir, with a mass exodus of tourists and widespread cancellations. The upcoming Amarnath Yatra is also a concern.   
  • International Reactions: The UN Secretary-General has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint. The US has issued a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.