First Image of Pahalgam Terrorist Emerges as Security Forces Launch Manhunt
In a devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, at least 26 people, predominantly tourists, lost their lives when gunmen opened fire in the scenic Baisaran meadow on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, around 2:30 p.m. The meadow, a popular tourist spot known as “mini Switzerland,” became a scene of chaos as attackers, dressed in military fatigues, targeted visitors enjoying the picturesque landscape. Sources exclusively obtained an image of one of the assailants, showing a gunman armed and active during the assault.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a local affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, which left several others injured. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with gunfire erupting suddenly, forcing tourists to flee in panic across the open terrain where cover was scarce. Visuals from the site captured the aftermath, with bodies scattered across the meadow and locals rushing to assist distraught survivors, many of whom were women crying for help.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, condemned the attack and cut short his visit, returning to Delhi on Wednesday morning to address the crisis. He vowed that those responsible would face justice, stating, “Their evil agenda will never succeed.” Home Minister Amit Shah also responded swiftly, convening a high-level security meeting in Delhi before traveling to Srinagar for an urgent review of the situation. Shah assured that the perpetrators would face severe consequences.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock, describing the attack as an “abomination” and one of the deadliest civilian-targeted assaults in recent years. The Baisaran meadow, located approximately five kilometers from Pahalgam hill station, is accessible only by foot or pony, complicating rescue efforts. Security forces promptly cordoned off the area and launched operations to track down the attackers.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders. US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting India, expressed solidarity, with Trump calling the incident “deeply disturbing” and Vance offering condolences for the “horrific attack.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the violence, affirming support for India’s fight against terrorism.
In response to the tragedy, IndiGo and Air India announced additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on April 23, offering waivers for rescheduling or cancellations until April 30. The Jammu and Kashmir administration issued helpline numbers to assist those affected, including Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, and Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623.
As investigations continue, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has deployed teams to Srinagar to probe the attack, while security has been heightened across the region. The incident, one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, underscores the persistent challenge of terrorism in the region despite recent improvements in the security situation.