PM Modi Vows Justice After Pahalgam Terror Attack Kills 28
In one of the most horrific terror strikes on civilians in recent years, at least 28 people were killed and over 20 injured when militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The Resistance Front (TRF), widely believed to be a proxy for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was abroad at the time, cut short his visit and returned to take charge of the situation.
Pahalgam Attack Overview
Around 2:50 PM, armed militants dressed in army fatigues emerged from the forest and began targeting tourists, singling out non-Muslims. Survivors recounted that the attackers asked some victims to recite Islamic prayers or checked them for circumcision to identify their religion before opening fire. Among those killed were 24 Indian tourists, two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE, and two local Kashmiris. Victims included a young Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official.
Helicopters were used to evacuate the injured, and the Indian Army and local police launched immediate search operations to track the attackers.
PM Modi’s Immediate Response
Upon his return to Delhi, Prime Minister Modi chaired an emergency security review and declared, “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and will only grow stronger.” He personally directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the Valley and coordinate security operations. Shah later held a high-level meeting in Srinagar with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also curtailed her foreign tour and returned to support government efforts.
International Condemnation and Support
World leaders responded with unified outrage. U.S. President Donald Trump called PM Modi to express solidarity and pledged full support to India in its fight against terror. The United Nations and leaders from Israel, Italy, Russia, and the European Union condemned the massacre and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Investigation and Security Crackdown
Security agencies suspect the attack was orchestrated by LeT commander Saifullah Kasuri with logistical help from Rawalkot-based figures like Abu Musa. The attackers are believed to have conducted reconnaissance days before the strike. Intelligence agencies are now dismantling support networks, tracing local collaborators, and securing tourist zones.
The government has enhanced security across major cities and increased monitoring of suspected terror cells. A helpline for tourists and families of victims has also been activated.
