“They Came From the Forest”: 26 Dead in Pahalgam Terror Attack Including Navy, IB Officers
April 2025
In a devastating terrorist attack that has shaken the nation, 26 people were killed in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, including a Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. This incident is being called the worst assault in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
The attack occurred in the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. Eyewitnesses described the horror as terrorists emerged from forested areas and began shooting indiscriminately. Videos circulating online show bodies lying motionless and women screaming for help.
Military helicopters were deployed to airlift the injured from the remote location, which is otherwise accessible only by foot or horseback. Emergency services confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition.
High-Level Response and National Outrage
Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar to conduct an urgent security review. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to India early and condemned the attack, reaffirming India’s unyielding fight against terrorism.
“Their evil agenda will never succeed,” Modi stated, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the act as “cowardly and reprehensible.”
Victims From Across India
Among the deceased are tourists from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha, including a man from Shivamogga reportedly killed in front of his family. The names of two tourists from Maharashtra—Dilip Disle and Atul Mone—were confirmed by state authorities. An accountant from Balasore, Odisha, was also killed. Additionally, a Navy officer from Haryana and an IB official from Telangana lost their lives.
Political and International Reactions
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the incident an “abomination,” while PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the need for an in-depth investigation. Leaders from across the political spectrum echoed similar sentiments of grief and outrage.
The attack has drawn global condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli officials expressed strong solidarity with India. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the violence.
Security in Kashmir Under Scrutiny
This tragic event comes at a time of increasing tourism in Kashmir and just weeks before the Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage. The government has initiated an extensive anti-terror operation in the region and vowed to punish those responsible.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that all resources have been mobilized to assist the injured and hunt down the perpetrators. “They will pay a heavy price,” he said.
As Kashmir reels from this horrific incident, national focus shifts back to security preparedness and counter-terrorism efforts in a region that has long struggled with violence.