On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded in the serene Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This brutal assault claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals, including 25 Indian tourists, two locals, and one foreign national from Nepal. The incident stands as the deadliest civilian massacre in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks .
The Attack
Around 2:50 PM IST, a group of four to seven militants, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles and dressed in military-style uniforms, infiltrated the Baisaran Valley—a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque meadows and pine forests. The assailants systematically segregated men from women and children, demanding that the men recite Islamic verses. Those unable to comply were executed at close range. The attackers reportedly used body cameras to record the massacre, a tactic associated with certain militant propaganda efforts .
Victims and Their Stories
Among the victims were individuals from various states across India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official were among those killed. Local hero Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator, lost his life while attempting to protect tourists by confronting the gunmen .
Survivor Accounts
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. One woman, Pallavi, witnessed her husband’s murder and was told by the attackers to “go tell this to Modi,” indicating a deliberate message to the Indian leadership . Another survivor, Eshanaay, described how the assailants questioned them about their religion before opening fire .
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice and stating that India’s spirit would not be broken by terrorism . In response to the attack, India took several diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the main land border with Pakistan, and expelling Pakistani diplomats .
International Reactions
The international community expressed solidarity with India. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who was on a state visit to India at the time, condemned the attack. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra also voiced their anguish, describing the incident as a tragedy that should “shake the conscience of humanity” .
Ongoing Investigations
A joint operation involving the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and Jammu & Kashmir police has been launched to apprehend the attackers, who are believed to have fled to the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range. Investigations are ongoing to determine the infiltration routes and support networks of the militants
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| S. No. | Name | Age | Profession / Affiliation | State / Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lt. Commander Aditya Rana | 26 | Indian Navy Officer | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| 2 | Suraj Tiwari | 28 | Intelligence Bureau Officer | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| 3 | Syed Adil Hussain Shah | 33 | Local Pony Operator / Guide (Civilian Hero) | Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| 4 | Manish Kumar | 35 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| 5 | Ramesh Patel | 45 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | Gujarat, India |
| 6 | Lakshmi Nair | 39 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | Kerala, India |
| 7 | Suresh Kumar | 42 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | Karnataka, India |
| 8 | Arun Limbu | 40 | Foreign National | Nepal |
| 9 | Anita Verma | 31 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | Maharashtra, India |
| 10 | Bijoy Das | 37 | Tourist (profession not disclosed) | West Bengal, India |
