Pahalgam Attack | A Country Weeps, Government Acts Quickly

The peaceful charm of Pahalgam, commonly referred to as “mini Switzerland,” was marred on April 22, 2025, when a horrific terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow killed at least 28 innocent tourists and a local pony operator, injuring more than 20 others. This gruesome incident, the most lethal in the valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019, has rocked the country, triggering collective grief and anger.

Eyewitness accounts paint a chilling picture of the attack. Around 1:50 PM, five to six terrorists emerged from the adjacent pine forest and opened indiscriminate fire on unsuspecting tourists enjoying the scenic beauty. Reports suggest the terrorists specifically targeted individuals after asking for their religious identity, even forcing some to recite an Islamic verse before shooting them, often with fatal headshots. Kids on a trampoline and family members enjoying snacks became victims of this act of madness. The terrorists then disappeared into the woods, leaving a trail of devastation behind.

The Pahalgam massacre news prompted swift and forceful responses from the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a tour of Saudi Arabia, shortened his visit and returned to New Delhi to deal with the crisis. He strongly condemned the attack, assuring the country that the attackers would be brought to justice and would not be spared.

Following the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met in emergency session under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to draft a strong response. The government subsequently announced a stern five-point action plan aimed at Pakistan, suspected of supporting the terror organizations involved:

• Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: India has chosen to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a pact that has existed for decades governing river water sharing, in keeping with its desire to send out a strong diplomatic signal regarding the issue of cross-border terrorism. The treaty would continue to stay suspended until and unless Pakistan stops providing support for terror activities convincingly and irrevocably.

• Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Check Post: The Attari integrated check post, a major point on the India-Pakistan route, has been closed down with immediate effect. This brings a complete halt to all cross-border travel of people and commodities. People who have crossed over with proper documents will be allowed to return by May 1, 2025.

• Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals: India has cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. All visas previously issued under this scheme are hereby cancelled, and Pakistani nationals already in India under this scheme are allowed 48 hours to exit India.

• Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors: All Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors at the High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and have been requested to depart from India within a week. India will take reciprocal action by withdrawing its military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. The equivalent posts in both High Commissions are considered nullified.

• Reduction of Diplomatic Staff: The total size of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be cut from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, downgrading the bilateral diplomatic relationship further.

On the ground, security personnel have initiated a massive search operation to apprehend the terrorists involved in the attack. The Baisaran meadow area has been sealed off, and other security arrangements have been made throughout the Kashmir Valley, including stepped-up frisking and increased deployment in the vicinity of sensitive installations and tourist points.

The government has also made emergency helplines to help affected families and tourists.The country is together in denouncing this barbaric act. Protest rallies and candlelight processions have been taken out in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in other states. Political figures, religious bodies, and civil society groups have condemned the act and expressed their solidarity with the families of the victims and sought severe action against terrorism.

The mortal bodies of the dead are being brought to their hometowns, and government officials and community leaders are paying their last respects. Special flights have been organized to return tourists who were stranded in the area.

The Pahalgam attack is a grim reminder of the ever-present danger of terrorism. Yet, the prompt and decisive response of the Indian government, along with the countrywide outrage over the violence, reflect the country’s determination to fight terrorism and provide safety and security to its citizens. The probe into the attack is underway, and the government has promised to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators and their patrons.

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