Attack on tourists in India: 26 killed, country vows revenge
An armed attack on tourists in the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam claimed 26 lives — Indian authorities are conducting a large-scale retaliation operation and evacuating civilians.
Photo: pixabay.com
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a group of terrorists hiding in the dense forests near the Baisaran meadows in the Pahalgam area (Jammu and Kashmir) launched an attack on a group of tourists.
According to official reports, at least 26 people were killed in the attack, including two foreign nationals. Several others were injured and urgently hospitalized at the Anantnag Medical Center, as reported by The Hindu.
According to statements from the Indian Army (Operation OP TIKKA, Baramulla), the attack was another attempt to destabilize the region from Pakistani territory via the Line of Control (LoC). The military reported the elimination of two militants and ongoing combing operations in the area.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terrorist act, emphasizing that the perpetrators will be severely punished and that the fight against terrorism will be intensified.
Home Minister Amit Shah and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences to the victims' families and condemned the attack as a barbaric act against peaceful civilians.
In the wake of the tragedy, a mass evacuation of tourists from the valley began.
The authorities opened the NH-44 highway in one-way mode, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation is organizing additional flights.
A 24/7 helpline for tourists has been set up in Srinagar. The local administration and security forces assured that those responsible for the crime would be found and punished.
Earlier it was reported that France experienced a wave of attacks on its penitentiary system: cars were set on fire near prisons, guards were shot at, and staff were threatened. According to authorities, drug cartels are behind the coordinated actions, reacting to increased government pressure.