The Crossbill News Desk
In a horrific act of terror, several tourists were killed and many others injured in an attack in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (April 22).
Gunshots rang out in the upper meadows of the valley—accessible only on foot or horseback—sending shockwaves across the country as eyewitnesses reported that the assailants were in camouflage and appeared to have carried out a targeted assault.
Military helicopters were swiftly deployed for evacuation operations, airlifting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Among the deceased was a realtor from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, reportedly shot dead in front of his wife and child. As the news spread, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to visit the site and ensure stringent action. Shah is expected to reach Srinagar shortly to conduct a high-level security review with top officials, including the Intelligence Bureau chief, Union Home Secretary, CRPF chief, and J&K DGP. Army officials joined the emergency meeting through video conference.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has vowed that justice will be served for the victims.
"Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured," NDTV quoted Sinha as saying.
He confirmed that an anti-terror operation has been launched to track down those responsible.
The attack occurred during peak tourist season in the Valley, just weeks ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims. The yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and includes the Pahalgam route—the very area now reeling from this assault. This incident raises serious security concerns for the upcoming pilgrimage.
Condemnations poured in from across the political spectrum. PM Modi called the incident a “cowardly and despicable act,” reaffirming that India’s resolve to fight terrorism is "unshakable."
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he wrote on X.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiment, calling it a "highly reprehensible act of cowardice."
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “an abomination” and said he was “shocked beyond belief.” He took to social media, denouncing the attackers as "inhuman" and calling for accountability.
“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” he posted.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the incident, urging for a thorough investigation into potential security lapses.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” she said.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina called it a "cowardly" attack on innocent and unarmed visitors, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the act a “blot on humanity” and emphasized that the country stands united against terrorism.
The Supreme Court’s recent directions regarding constitutional authorities and security management in sensitive regions like J&K have taken on renewed urgency in light of this attack, as Union Home Minister Shah had previously directed a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism and infiltration.
As security forces continue combing the area for the attackers, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives in what is being seen as one of the most brutal attacks on civilians in recent years. The focus now shifts to ensuring safety for the thousands of pilgrims expected to travel through Pahalgam in the coming months.
Gunshots rang out in the upper meadows of the valley—accessible only on foot or horseback—sending shockwaves across the country as eyewitnesses reported that the assailants were in camouflage and appeared to have carried out a targeted assault.
Military helicopters were swiftly deployed for evacuation operations, airlifting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Among the deceased was a realtor from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, reportedly shot dead in front of his wife and child. As the news spread, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to visit the site and ensure stringent action. Shah is expected to reach Srinagar shortly to conduct a high-level security review with top officials, including the Intelligence Bureau chief, Union Home Secretary, CRPF chief, and J&K DGP. Army officials joined the emergency meeting through video conference.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has vowed that justice will be served for the victims.
"Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured," NDTV quoted Sinha as saying.
He confirmed that an anti-terror operation has been launched to track down those responsible.
The attack occurred during peak tourist season in the Valley, just weeks ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims. The yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and includes the Pahalgam route—the very area now reeling from this assault. This incident raises serious security concerns for the upcoming pilgrimage.
Condemnations poured in from across the political spectrum. PM Modi called the incident a “cowardly and despicable act,” reaffirming that India’s resolve to fight terrorism is "unshakable."
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he wrote on X.
I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
Those behind this heinous act will be brought…
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiment, calling it a "highly reprehensible act of cowardice."
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “an abomination” and said he was “shocked beyond belief.” He took to social media, denouncing the attackers as "inhuman" and calling for accountability.
“I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague Sakina Itoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately,” he posted.
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the incident, urging for a thorough investigation into potential security lapses.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which tragically killed five and injured several as being reported for now. Such violence is unacceptable and must be denounced. Historically, Kashmir has welcomed tourists warmly, making this rare incident deeply concerning. A thorough investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice and examine potential security lapses. Ensuring visitor safety is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent future attacks,” she said.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina called it a "cowardly" attack on innocent and unarmed visitors, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the act a “blot on humanity” and emphasized that the country stands united against terrorism.
The Supreme Court’s recent directions regarding constitutional authorities and security management in sensitive regions like J&K have taken on renewed urgency in light of this attack, as Union Home Minister Shah had previously directed a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism and infiltration.
As security forces continue combing the area for the attackers, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives in what is being seen as one of the most brutal attacks on civilians in recent years. The focus now shifts to ensuring safety for the thousands of pilgrims expected to travel through Pahalgam in the coming months.
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