The 2025 Pahalgam attack was a deadly militant assault on tourists near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. Five armed terrorists targeted a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley, killing 26 civilians, mostly Hindu men, including several newlywed couples. The attackers asked men for their religion and made some recite the Islamic kalima to identify non-Muslims before shooting them point-blank. One local Muslim pony ride operator was also killed trying to resist the attackers
. The militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement, blaming Indian cyber-intelligence for false claims. The attackers used automatic rifles such as M4 carbines and AK-47s
. This attack is considered the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks and has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders. Pakistan denied involvement and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and restricting trade, leading to a military standoff and airstrikes in early May 2025
. In the aftermath, thousands of people in Kashmir were detained, over 50 tourist sites were closed, and homes of suspected militants were destroyed by security forces. Kashmiris across India have faced harassment and threats, leading many to flee back to Kashmir out of fear. The attack also sparked widespread anger and sorrow throughout India, with political calls for decisive action
. Authorities identified four terrorists involved, including two Pakistani infiltrators and two local Kashmiris who aided them. The masterminds behind the attack are believed to include Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders based in Pakistan and a local militant hiding in Kashmir's forests. Security forces have launched extensive operations to capture those responsible
. In summary, the Pahalgam attack was a brutal militant assault on tourists that killed 26 civilians, mainly targeting non-Muslims, and has triggered a severe security crackdown and heightened India-Pakistan tensions
