SRINAGAR: A deadly terrorist attack struck the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in South Kashmir today, claiming the lives of more than 25 people and injuring many others. The attackers, identified by local authorities as Islamic extremists, emerged from the surrounding forests and opened fire indiscriminately on civilians, mostly tourists, near the Baisaran meadows, a well-known trekking site in the Anantnag district. Emerging information suggests that the narco-terror group called The Resistance Front (TRF), which has emerged as an offshoot from the Pakistan based Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) may be responsible for the attack.
This marks one of the worst assaults on civilians in recent years in the region and the Indian government has promised a swift response.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, described the attack as “larger in scale than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent memory,” adding that the exact death toll is still being confirmed.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing Indian police sources, at least 24 victims had been confirmed dead by early afternoon, with rescue operations ongoing.
Strong Condemnation and Immediate Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong condemnation of the attack, calling it “a vile and cowardly act against innocent people.” Following a phone call with Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister ordered a full-scale security response.
Minister Shah has flown to Srinagar to chair an emergency security meeting with intelligence and law enforcement agencies. “India will not rest until those behind this atrocity are brought to justice,” Shah stated before departing for the conflict zone.
Attack Coincides with Visit of U.S. Vice President
The incident occurred during the ongoing visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India. Although the visit is primarily personal in nature, Vance is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi to discuss trade, economic cooperation, and regional security.
Vance had earlier addressed a gathering in Jaipur, emphasizing peaceful collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and deepening U.S.-India strategic ties. Security around the U.S. delegation has since been heightened.
Tourism Industry Shaken, Local Leaders React
Local political parties and tourism industry representatives have voiced outrage and sorrow. The attack comes at a time when the government has been investing in reviving tourism in Kashmir.
“This was not just an attack on innocent tourists, but on the very spirit of the Kashmir Valley,” said a spokesperson from the Anantnag Tourism Board. Emergency corridors are being set up to evacuate stranded tourists and ensure their safe return.
Investigation Underway
Authorities strongly suspect the involvement of militant factions supported by neighbouring Pakistan. Search and counterinsurgency operations are now active in the nearby forested regions. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind Tuesday’s terrorist attack.
Founded in October 2019, the group was led by Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the Supreme Commander, with Basit Ahmed Dar serving as the Chief Operational Commander. The TRF was initially formed with cadres from Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT, according to reports. The Indian Union government has been calling TRF as a ‘proxy’ front for the LeT.
The Resistance Front (TRF) is actively recruiting youth through online platforms to advance terrorist activities, according to the official notification. The group has been implicated in spreading terrorist propaganda, recruiting militants, facilitating terrorist infiltration, and smuggling weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
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