The serene town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes and popularity among tourists and pilgrims, was jolted by a shocking and tragic terror attack on April 21, 2025. The incident has not only raised serious questions about security in the region but also garnered strong reactions both nationally and globally.
This article explains the timeline of events, identifies the victims and suspects, examines the motives behind the attack, and captures global reactions to one of the most horrifying acts of terror in recent times.
Timeline of the Pahalgam 2025 Attack
The attack occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, around 6:10 PM IST, when a bus carrying pilgrims and tourists returning from the Shiv Temple in Pahalgam was ambushed by terrorists near the Khanabal-Pahalgam road in Anantnag district.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
- 6:10 PM: The bus (bearing Gujarat registration) came under fire near Akersal village, about 10 km from Pahalgam.
- 6:15 PM: Terrorists reportedly used automatic rifles and grenades, targeting the bus from a hilltop vantage point.
- 6:20 PM: The driver, in an act of bravery, drove through the hail of bullets, helping to avoid further casualties.
- 6:30 PM: Security forces rushed to the spot; the area was cordoned off.
- 8:00 PM: Injured victims were taken to Anantnag District Hospital and later airlifted to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
Victims of the Attack
According to official sources, the attack left 9 people dead and over 33 injured. Most victims were Hindu pilgrims from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, who had traveled to Jammu and Kashmir as part of the spring pilgrimage.
Most of the injured were stable after emergency surgery, while a few remain in critical condition in Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
Suspects and Investigation
The initial investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by NIA (National Investigation Agency) and CRPF, points to the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Key Suspicions and Leads:
- LeT module active in South Kashmir is believed to have orchestrated the attack.
- ISI backing suspected in planning and execution.
- Forensic teams found used cartridges, grenade pins, and mobile SIM cards near the site.
- A terrorist named Abu Zarar, believed to be operating in Anantnag, is one of the prime suspects.
- Two local overground workers (OGWs) were detained for questioning on April 23.
The attack appears premeditated and designed to target civilians during a spiritual pilgrimage to incite communal tensions and damage tourism in the valley.
National Reactions
Government Response:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and assured justice for the victims.
“We will not spare those responsible. The nation stands united in the face of terror,” said PM Modi.
- Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency meeting with intelligence and military officials.
- A high-level probe has been ordered, and Z+ security has been temporarily provided for key tourist routes.
Public Response:
- Vigils were held in Gujarat, Delhi, and Mumbai to mourn the victims.
- Social media saw a surge in hashtags like #PahalgamAttack, #KashmirTerror, and #JusticeForVictims.
- Thousands demanded stricter anti-terror laws and enhanced border surveillance.
Global Condemnation and Support
The world responded swiftly to the heinous act, with several countries issuing statements of condemnation and expressing solidarity with India.
United States:
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated:
“The U.S. condemns this cowardly attack on innocent civilians. We stand with India against terrorism.”
United Kingdom:
- British PM Rishi Sunak extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged stronger global cooperation against terror.
Israel:
- Israel’s foreign ministry tweeted in Hindi and English, standing in solidarity with the victims and offering intelligence support if needed.
United Nations:
- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern and urged “all sides to ensure the protection of civilians and uphold peace.”
Impact on Security and Tourism
The attack has led to heightened security in the Kashmir Valley:
- Extra paramilitary deployment on tourist and pilgrimage routes.
- Checkpoints established at strategic points across Pahalgam and Anantnag.
- Pilgrimage for Shiv Temple suspended temporarily until security audits are complete.
Tourism, which had been rebounding post-pandemic, is expected to take a hit. Local hoteliers report mass cancellations, and airlines have waived rescheduling charges for travelers exiting Srinagar.
What Happens Next?
With the investigation ongoing, Indian agencies are expected to:
- Track and neutralize remaining terrorists from the cell responsible.
- Pressurize Pakistan diplomatically to act on LeT operatives.
- Enhance intelligence operations and install advanced drone surveillance in terror-prone zones.
There are also calls to revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pilgrimage security and ban non-registered transport for pilgrims.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam 2025 attack is a grim reminder that terrorism remains a major threat, not only to national security but to the sanctity of spiritual and tourist sites. While the pain of the loss is deep, the bravery of the bus driver, the swift response of emergency services, and the nation’s unity against terror show that the spirit of India remains unshaken.
As investigations continue and global pressure mounts, one thing is clear: justice will be served, and Pahalgam will rise again—stronger, united, and vigilant.