Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Killed in Planned Assault, LeT Commander Named

A devastating terrorist attack struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 26 people, including two foreign nationals, and injuring several others. The assault, which targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Saifullah Kasuri, according to intelligence agencies cited by sources.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based LeT, claimed responsibility for the attack, which unfolded in broad daylight at approximately 2:30 PM. Gunmen, reportedly disguised in Indian Army uniforms, opened fire on civilians in the popular tourist destination, known for its tranquil meadows and lush forests. The attackers’ actions have reignited concerns about security in the region, particularly as Jammu and Kashmir has seen a resurgence of militant activities in recent months.

Intelligence sources, indicate that Saifullah Kasuri, a senior LeT operative and close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, meticulously planned the assault. The attack’s timing, just weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, has raised fears about its potential impact on the region’s tourism industry, a critical economic driver for local communities.

The bloodshed has prompted a swift response from Indian authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia to address the crisis, convening a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri upon his return to New Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar to meet with the families of the victims, as reported by moneycontrol.com. A massive manhunt is now underway across Jammu and Kashmir to apprehend the perpetrators.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with The Times of India noting that Kashmir’s leading newspapers turned their front pages black in a unified protest against the violence. The incident, one of the deadliest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has sent shockwaves across India, underscoring the persistent threat of terrorism despite enhanced security measures.