Dastardly Terror Attack in Pahalgam Leaves 26 Dead, Several Injured; Victimes Include Tourists from Maharashtra and Pune
Pahalgam, J&K – April 23, 2025:
India is in mourning following a horrifying terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead and over a dozen injured. In what is being called the deadliest terror attack since Pulwama in 2019, victims included newlyweds, children, tourists, and even an off-duty naval officer. The picturesque valley, known for its alpine meadows and tourist footfall, turned into a blood-soaked battleground when heavily armed terrorists struck without warning on Tuesday afternoon.
Tourists from Maharashtra Among Killed and Injured
Two tourists from Maharashtra – Dilip Disle and Atul Mone – were killed in the firing. Also two tourists from Pune, Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale, sustained injuries and are recovering at the Anantnag District Hospital. According to relatives, both were on a photography expedition to Baisaran and were caught in the gunfire. Local authorities confirmed they are stable and receiving the best care.
Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol said,
“We are in touch with the families. The central and state governments are making all arrangements for their safe return.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of two tourists from the state and left two others injured.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. My heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in this incident. We share in the grief of their families and relatives. I pray to God that those injured in this incident recover soon,” said Fadnavis in a statement issued on Tuesday evening.
According to media reports there are about 65 tourists from Maharashtra who are stuck in Kashmir, awaiting return home.
Navy Officer Vinay Narwal Killed While on Leave After Wedding
Among those killed was 26-year-old Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was on leave from his posting in Kochi. Lt. Narwal, hailing from Haryana’s Jhajjar district, had married on April 16, just six days before the attack. He and his wife had traveled to Pahalgam for their honeymoon.
A senior Defence official confirmed the tragedy:
“Lt. Narwal was a promising young officer of the Indian Navy. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
His wife, injured in the attack, is currently undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Srinagar and is said to be out of danger.
Karnataka Tourists Among the Victims
Two families from Karnataka were caught in the ambush. One of the victims, Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, was on vacation with his wife Pallavi and 11-year-old son Abhijaya. Eyewitnesses say he was shot in front of his family while trying to shield them from bullets. Pallavi sustained a leg injury, while Abhijaya miraculously escaped unscathed.
Bharath Bhushan, a tech professional from Bengaluru, was also killed in the attack. He had traveled to Kashmir with his wife and young son. The family had reached Pahalgam the previous evening and were on a sightseeing trek when the terrorists struck. His wife and son survived and have returned to Bengaluru with state government assistance.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya posted on X:
“Two residents of our city have been killed in the despicable Pahalgam terror attack. My deepest condolences to their families. The Government of India must ensure swift justice.”
Terrorists Opened Fire in Military Fatigues
The attack occurred at around 2:45 PM when the serene hill station was bustling with tourists. A group of six to eight terrorists, reportedly dressed in army-style uniforms, emerged from the surrounding pine forests and opened indiscriminate fire on civilians at the Baisaran meadow, popularly known as “Mini Switzerland.”
Videos recorded moments after the shooting show tourists running in panic, children crying, and local guides attempting to shield visitors. The sudden ambush lasted 20 minutes, after which the attackers vanished into the forested hills.
The Resistance Front (TRF) Suspected Behind the Attack
Intelligence officials believe the Resistance Front (TRF) — a Lashkar-e-Taiba-backed proxy outfit — orchestrated the attack. According to reports, the group infiltrated through Kishtwar, moved to Kokernag, and reached Pahalgam undetected. The planning was meticulous, and the choice of location — a high-altitude tourist meadow — suggests an intention to maximize media and psychological impact.
An unnamed official said,
“This was a well-planned attack aimed at derailing peace in the Valley and disrupting the tourism season.”
A massive search operation has been launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF. Drones, thermal sensors, and sniffer dogs have been deployed. The area remains under lockdown.
Political Reactions and Condemnation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to Delhi late Tuesday night. In a statement, he said:
“Those responsible for this barbaric act will face the full force of justice. We stand united in our resolve to eliminate terrorism from our soil.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Srinagar on Wednesday morning to assess the situation. He chaired a high-level security meeting with J&K LG Manoj Sinha, senior Army commanders, and intelligence heads.
Former J&K CMs Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack. Abdullah wrote:
“The murder of innocent tourists is a new low. Kashmiris do not support such heinous acts.”
Global Outrage
The attack drew condemnation from across the world.
- US Vice President JD Vance, who is in India for trade talks, expressed “deep sorrow” and solidarity.
- Russia, UAE, Iran, Israel, Sri Lanka, and France issued strong statements against the attack, pledging support for India’s fight against terrorism.
Security Concerns Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
With the Amarnath Yatra due to begin in June, security agencies are now on high alert. Pahalgam is one of the main base camps for the pilgrimage, and Tuesday’s attack raises major concerns over safety of pilgrims and tourists. Additional troop deployment and stricter checking protocols are expected in the coming weeks.
A Nation Grieves, But Resolves to Stay Strong
This tragic incident has once again exposed the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The loss of young lives — tourists, children, honeymooners, and a Navy officer on his first holiday with his bride — has left the nation shaken.
Lieutenant Vinay Narwal’s story particularly struck a nerve across the country. Just days after his wedding, his dreams were cut short. His body is being flown to his hometown in Haryana, where a full military funeral will be held.
Anti-Pakistan protests in Jammu following terror attack in Pahalgam
Anti-Pakistan protests were held in Jammu city following the terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 tourists were killed, with protestors demanding an operation to flush out terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir.
Led by it president Rakesh Kumar, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal (RBD) took out a protest march in Jammu city against the attack. They raised slogans against Pakistan and burnt its flag.
#WATCH | J&K | Locals in Poonch hold a protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists pic.twitter.com/AhC0bDXM8i
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
Kumar condemned the attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a “targeted killing of Hindus.” “This attack took place just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. Registration for the yatra has only recently begun, and this act is clearly aimed at creating a fear among the Hindu pilgrims,” Kumar told reporters here.
“Survivors say the terrorists asked for the identity of the victims before killing them, which clearly indicates a targeted assault,” he said.
Another protest was held by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in the Muthi area of the city, demanding stern action to eliminate terrorists responsible for the act. They raised slogans against Pakistan and terrorists.
Protests were also held in J-K’s Doda district.
– PTI
As India mourns, the message is clear: the spirit of the nation and its people will not be broken by terror.
