On 22nd April 2025, at around 2 pm, a major terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, one of the top tourist destinations located in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The terrorists targeted innocent tourists holidaying in Basiran Meadow, resulting in more than 26 deaths and several injuries. A local resident was among those targeted by the militants intensifying region’s sense of grief and shock. Anantnag district is one of the prime targets for terrorists to destabilise, create terror and internationalise the Kashmir issue.
While the investigations are still going on, there are significant local and political reactions. Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, highlighted how after the terror attack, 35%-37% of hotel bookings has been cancelled making the region economically vulnerable. Wazir also emphasised that Katra and majority of the Jammu region is secured and that it is essential to change the negative perspective of the Union Territory.
Peoples Democratic Party’s President Mehbooba Mufti while condemning the Pahalgam attack, emphasised the importance of differentiating between terrorists and civilians to prevent alienation of innocent individuals and that this alienation could facilitate terrorist objectives. Mufti also highlighted that during the operations many civilians were captured and their residents were also razed.
Former members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami launched a new political party called the J&K Justice and Development Front (JDF) and Shamim Ahmed Thoker was announced as the first president of the party. JDF also condemned the attack and further criticised the harassment of Kashmiris all over the country, calling it unjust collective punishment. The JDF commended the locals for their tolerance and solidarity throughout the incident including voluntary business closures and community’s sympathy for the victims.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has commenced an examination of connections between previous cases and the present violence. NIA on 23rd April 2025 informed Supreme Court that the seizure of 3000 Kg of drug from Adani’s Mundra Port in 2022 is linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s ISI. The NIA highlighted that drug trafficking is the biggest source to escalate terrorism in India. As India’s biggest drug seizure, NIA pointed out that this narco-terror network could have aimed to finance the terror activities. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the court that Pahalgam Attack could have been funded by this drug trafficking supported by Afghan trafficker and Iranian intermediaries.
Constant ceasefire violations are taking place by Pakistani terrorists along the LoC, marked by unprovoked small arms firing. Violations have been occurring consecutively following the heinous Pahalgam attack near areas opposite to Kupwara and Baramulla districts. No casualties have been reported so far. Furthermore, authorities have carried out intensive search operations in the valley and as a result, more than 1,500 people were detained for questioning and around 10 houses, reportedly belonging to the families of alleged terrorists were demolished. The locals and top leaders of the region are supporting this action but questioned the targeting of suspected houses and innocent people.
The state capital of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir-Muzaffarabad is witnessing protests against the Indian Government and blaming them for the Pahalgam Attack. The Kashmiri activists led by Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir (PHJK) accused New Delhi for turning Muslim majority of Jammu and Kashmir into a minority. Protestors called the Pahalgam attack as India’s strategy to suppress Muslim protests and insult the Pakistanis and Kashmiris. PHJK leaders demanded the involvement of United Nations into the investigations of Pahalgam Attack.
