Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amit Shah Pays Tribute, Calls for “Decisive Action” Against Militants
Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – April 23, 2025 — In the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack that shook the serene town of Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday to pay tributes to the victims and assess the security situation. The attack, which took place on April 22 in the popular Baisaran Valley, claimed the lives of 28 civilians and injured over 20 others.
The victims, many of whom were tourists from different parts of India and abroad, were ambushed by heavily armed militants while trekking through the picturesque landscape. Among those killed were families on vacation, children, and senior citizens, including three foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE.
The incident marks one of the deadliest terror strikes targeting civilians in Kashmir in recent years. The militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be backed by Pakistan-based handlers, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Amit Shah’s visit to the Valley was unannounced and heavily guarded. His first stop was the site of the massacre in Baisaran Valley, where a temporary memorial was erected for the victims. Accompanied by senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the CRPF, and Army commanders, Shah laid a wreath at the site and observed a moment of silence.
“This was not just an attack on innocent lives, but on the idea of a peaceful and united India,” Shah said while addressing the media later in Srinagar. “Our response will be decisive, swift, and unrelenting. Those responsible will not escape justice.”
The Home Minister also visited the hospital in Srinagar where several of the injured are being treated. He spoke with survivors and their families, assuring them that the central government stands with them in their hour of grief.
Shah later chaired a high-level security meeting at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, where he reviewed the situation with top intelligence officials and security agency heads. Sources confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering major changes to the security architecture in Kashmir, particularly in areas with high tourist footfall.
Initial investigations suggest that the attackers infiltrated the valley using forest routes from South Kashmir. They allegedly posed as trekkers, blending in with civilian groups before launching their attack. Automatic rifles, explosives, and satellite phones recovered from the site indicate a high degree of planning and coordination.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has officially taken over the probe, is now conducting search operations in Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam. Several suspects have already been detained for questioning. Intelligence sources believe that logistical support was provided locally, raising questions about radicalization and sleeper cells within the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a public statement, calling the attack “barbaric and cowardly.” He assured the nation that the perpetrators would face the “full force of Indian law.” President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also condemned the attack, while state governors and chief ministers across India observed moments of silence in state assemblies.
Reactions from across the political spectrum have been unified in condemnation. Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav extended their sympathies and called for national unity. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the central government to increase vigilance across all tourist zones in Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack has triggered widespread anger and sorrow across the country. Candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Hashtags such as #PahalgamAttack and #JusticeForVictims have dominated Indian social media, with citizens sharing tributes and demanding tougher anti-terror measures.
International condemnation also poured in from several nations. The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union issued statements condemning the attack and offering condolences to the families of the victims. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world must “stand together against the scourge of terrorism.”
In Pahalgam, the usually vibrant tourist town now stands in silence. Local businesses have shut down in mourning, and the state administration has temporarily suspended all tourist activity. “We have never seen anything like this,” said Bilal Ahmad, a hotel owner. “This is our peak season, but now we are just living in fear.”
To address the economic fallout, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh to the injured. Counseling services are also being arranged for the victims and their families, many of whom witnessed the attack firsthand.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is now working on a long-term plan to enhance security in high-footfall areas. Proposed measures include increased surveillance, tourist verification protocols, drone monitoring, and real-time response teams stationed at vulnerable locations.
However, some experts have called for a more holistic approach to counterterrorism. “Security solutions are important, but we also need to address the socio-political factors that allow militancy to take root,” said Professor Asma Mir, a conflict resolution specialist at Delhi University.
Still, the government insists that security will remain the top priority. “We cannot allow terrorists to dictate our movements or destroy the fabric of our nation,” Amit Shah said during his concluding remarks in Srinagar. “The people of Kashmir want peace. And we will ensure that peace is protected—at all costs.”
As the nation comes to terms with the tragedy, a sense of resilience prevails. The attack in Pahalgam has left scars, but it has also sparked a renewed call for unity and vigilance. For the families who lost their loved ones, the road ahead will be difficult—but the country has vowed to walk with them every step of the way.
Journalist Details
- Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.
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