The Pahalgam Terror Attack: Who Was Behind It?

On April 22, 2025, a beautiful spring day turned into a nightmare in the peaceful Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. A group of tourists, soaking in the stunning views of what locals call “mini Switzerland,” was suddenly attacked by armed militants. The tragedy claimed 26 lives, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali, and left over 20 others injured. It was one of the worst attacks on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, leaving families shattered and the nation in shock. Let’s walk through what happened, who was behind this horrific act, and what it means for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and families, couples, and friends are enjoying the lush green meadows of Baisaran, a popular spot tucked away in the mountains. Around 3 PM, five to seven heavily armed men came down from the hills, carrying rifles like M4 carbines and AK-47s. They didn’t strike randomly—they targeted male Hindu tourists, reportedly checking their IDs or even asking them to recite Islamic verses to confirm their religion. Survivors shared heartbreaking stories of chaos, with people running for their lives as gunfire echoed through the valley.

Among the victims were a newlywed Indian Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau worker, and an Indian Air Force official—people who had come to Pahalgam for a moment of peace. The attackers left behind a scene of devastation, with bodies scattered across the meadow. Because Baisaran is remote, reachable only by foot or pony, help couldn’t arrive quickly. Brave locals stepped in, using ponies to carry the injured to safety, and helicopters later airlifted survivors to hospitals.

Who Took Responsibility?

A group called The Resistance Front (TRF) quickly claimed they were behind the attack, posting about it on social media. They said they did it to protest what they called a “demographic change” in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to the government issuing 85,000 domicile certificates to non-locals. TRF is seen by India as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist group banned by the United Nations. While Indian officials are still piecing together the full story, they strongly suspect LeT’s involvement, with a top commander named Saifullah Kasuri (also known as Khalid) believed to be the mastermind. They’ve also released sketches of three suspected Pakistani militants—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—who may have been part of the attack.

Was Pakistan Involved?

The Indian government, from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has pointed fingers at Pakistan. They believe the attack was planned with help from across the border, possibly by Pakistan’s military or its intelligence agency, the ISI. Some Indian leaders, like Home Minister Amit Shah, have even called for Pakistan to be labeled a “terrorist state.” On social media platforms like X, retired military officials and analysts have been vocal, saying the attack had the hallmarks of Pakistan’s involvement. Pakistan’s government has denied any role, but India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has stressed there are clear “cross-border connections” to the attack.

Who is The Resistance Front?

The Resistance Front popped up in 2019, right after India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. They claim to be fighting for “Kashmiri resistance,” but India says they’re just a cover for LeT, and they’ve been banned as a terrorist group since 2023. TRF has a dark history of targeting civilians, especially religious minorities like Kashmiri Pandits, and security forces. They’ve been behind attacks like the 2021 killings of a chemist and a school principal, and a 2024 attack on pilgrims in Reasi.

What makes TRF stand out is how they use technology. They record their attacks with body cameras and share videos online to recruit new members and spread fear. Their fighters include local Kashmiris trained in Pakistan and foreign militants who sneak across the Line of Control (LoC). Their claim about “demographic change” seems to be a way to rally support, but experts say it’s really about causing chaos and division.

Why Did They Do It?

The attack wasn’t just random violence—it had clear goals:

• Stirring Fear Over “Demographic Change”: TRF said they were angry about non-locals getting domicile certificates, claiming it’s changing Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population. This is a sensitive issue, and they’re using it to justify their actions.
• Hurting Tourism: Pahalgam is a jewel of Kashmir’s tourism industry, drawing thousands of visitors. By attacking tourists, the militants wanted to scare people away and hurt the local economy, making it seem like Kashmir isn’t safe.
• Creating Division: By targeting Hindu tourists, the attackers hoped to deepen religious tensions, not just in Kashmir but across India. Experts say this kind of violence can fuel mistrust and anger between communities.
• Getting Attention: The attack happened right when US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India, and its scale was meant to put Kashmir back in the global spotlight, possibly to strain India-Pakistan relations.

How Has India Responded?

India isn’t standing still. Here’s what’s happening:

• Hunting the Attackers: The Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police are combing the mountains, using helicopters and special forces to track down the militants, who are thought to be hiding in the Pir Panjal range. The police are offering ₹20 lakh for tips that lead to catching the attackers.
• Tough Moves Against Pakistan: After a high-level meeting with PM Modi, India hit pause on the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the Attari-Wagah border, cut back diplomatic ties with Pakistan, and canceled visas for Pakistani citizens. These are big steps to show India means business.
• Coming Together: Leaders from all political parties, including opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi, met on April 24, 2025, and promised to stand united against terrorism. Across India, people have been holding candlelight marches and protests, including in Kashmir, to honor the victims.
• Global Support: Leaders like US President Donald Trump, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni have called to condemn the attack and offer support. Trump even promised to help India bring the culprits to justice.

Were There Security Failures?

The attack has raised tough questions about whether enough was done to keep tourists safe. Baisaran is a busy spot, with thousands of visitors daily, yet it had no police post despite warnings about militant activity in the area. Local leaders like National Conference MLA Altaf Kaloo have asked why such a vulnerable place was left unprotected. While the government is focused on catching the attackers, these concerns are being discussed, and opposition leaders have brought them up, though they’re standing by the government’s efforts to fight terrorism.

How Has This Affected Jammu and Kashmir?

The attack has hit Kashmir hard:

• Tourism in Crisis: Visitors are leaving in droves, with airlines adding extra flights from Srinagar to help them get home. The government has asked airlines to keep fares fair for those stuck. In Pahalgam, hotel owners and shopkeepers, who rely on tourists, held candlelight vigils, worried about their future.
• Local Heartbreak: Kashmiris of all backgrounds have condemned the attack. Gurudwaras opened their doors to shelter tourists, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the violence “inhuman.” The attack’s scale, targeting innocent visitors, has left the region reeling.
• Tightened Security: Pahalgam is under a temporary lockdown, and Kashmiri Pandit employees in Baramulla have been told to work from home until April 27 for safety. Police are questioning hundreds of people, including former militants, to find out if locals helped the attackers.

Final Thoughts

The Pahalgam terror attack was a heartbreaking act of violence that stole 26 lives and shattered the peace of a beautiful place. The Resistance Front, with ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba and possibly backed by forces in Pakistan, targeted tourists to spread fear, divide communities, and destabilize Kashmir. But India is fighting back—tracking down the attackers, taking bold steps against Pakistan, and rallying support at home and abroad.

This tragedy has shown the ugly face of terrorism, but it’s also brought out the strength of people coming together. From locals helping the injured to world leaders standing with India, there’s a shared resolve to seek justice and rebuild. As Kashmir mourns, the hope is for healing, stronger security, and a future where places like Pahalgam can be safe for everyone to enjoy.