Pahalgam Horror: 28 Tourists Gunned Down in Kashmir’s Baisaran Meadow

April 22, 2025
Location: Baisaran, Pahalgam, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

🔍 Overview

In one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years, heavily armed militants attacked a group of tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The assault claimed the lives of 28 people and left over 20 others critically wounded.

🚨 How the Attack Unfolded

The shooting began shortly before 3 PM when four to six militants, dressed to mimic Indian soldiers, emerged from nearby forested areas. Without warning, they opened fire on unsuspecting tourists who were relaxing in the meadows. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers falsely presented themselves as army personnel, tricking the victims before launching their brutal assault.

Reports indicate the attackers selectively targeted male victims. Survivors said they were asked to recite religious phrases, and some were subjected to invasive checks before being executed. Most of the women were spared.

😢 Casualties and Victims

Among the deceased was a recently married naval officer who had been honeymooning in the region. One of the most talked-about survivor stories is that of a couple from Jaipur — Sunny Khan and his wife Farah. Sunny lost an eye due to bullet wounds, while Farah remains hospitalized in critical condition. The Rajasthan government promptly sanctioned financial assistance and medical support for the couple.

🔍 Manhunt and Arrests

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and local forces quickly mobilized, launching a sweeping operation across South Kashmir. On May 28, two suspects — Waseem Ahmad Shah and Adnan Ahmad Beigh — were apprehended in Anantnag. They were in possession of firearms, grenades, and live ammunition. Both individuals are suspected members of the banned group The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

🏛️ Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah publicly condemned the massacre, labeling it a “cowardly act of terror.” International leaders, including U.S. President JD Vance, extended condolences and pledged support to India in its fight against terrorism.

🌍 Broader Impact

This brutal act has once again drawn global attention to the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The targeting of tourists, especially in an area considered relatively safe, may further damage the region’s tourism sector and rekindle tensions across borders.