Jammu and Kashmir has been the target of several terror attacks in the past. The memories of those attacks are still fresh in people’s minds. Attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, Uri attack, Pulwama attack, Ganderbal attack, Reasi attack are among those that have ashamed humanity over years. India is currently mourning the loss of lives in barbarous Pahalgam terror attack. 26 tourists were killed and several others were injured in an attack which took place on Tuesday, April 22. This recent attack is considered as one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The brutal nature of the Pahalgam terror attack has anguished people, who have demanded immediate retaliation.
In this article, we have explained why this is the deadliest attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s recent past:
Involvement Of TRF
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed the responsibility for Pahalgam Terror Attack. The TRF was banned by the Central Government in 2024, given its involvement in the recruitment of youth & terrorists through the online medium for furtherance of violent extremism. The group actively indulges in the infiltration of terrorists and smuggling weapons and drugs from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. It had also claimed the responsibility for the Ganderbal attack of 2024.
Number Of Casualties
The number of casualties in Pahalgam Terror Attack, who were all tourists makes this attack one of the biggest in recent past after Pulwama attack. The Pulwama attack of 14 February 2019, resulted in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel. 26 tourists including one foreigner have been killed in the Pahalgam Terror Attack.
Nature Of The attack
Horrific details on the nature of the Pahalgam terror attack have emerged. The inhuman killing has shocked the nation. It is reported that the terrorists shot tourists after asking their names. They even pulled down trousers of men to ascertain if they were Muslims or not, stated the family of victims. One of the victims from Pune stated that the attackers asked their relative to recite ‘Kalma’ (Islamic verse) and shot them when they weren’t able to do so. She told that terrorists opened fire at nearby tent and even made statements against PM Modi. Several pictures and video that have surfaced online offers a glimpse into the deadly nature of the Pahalgam terror attack. These videos capture the horrific glimpses of terror, in which screams, and gunshots can be clearly heard.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and labelled attackers as “Animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt.”
Abdullah wrote on X, “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
@sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I’ll be flying back to Srinagar immediately.”
Biggest Attack After Abrogation Of Article 370
Another reason that makes it deadliest attack, is the timeline of this assault. It is the biggest since August 5, 2019, when the Union government abrogated Article 370, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. It is reported that the TRF is a new terror outfit. This group was formed in 2019 as an outfit proxy of the banned Pakistani Islamist Salafi jihadist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Meanwhile, TRF Commander Sheikh Sajjad Gul has been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967. TRF is infamous for carrying out brutal attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and political figures in J&K from time to time.
US Vice President’s Visit
The attack came at a time when the country is hosting international guests. United States Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha and their children are currently in India on an official visit. They were in Rajasthan, as a part of their visit on Tuesday when the attack took place in Pahalgam. Vance condemned the attack and expressed his condolences.
He wrote on X, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025
PM Modi In Arabia
The perpetrators carried out the brutal attack when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was out of India. He was in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit. However, PM departed from Jeddah on Tuesday, the day attack occurred and landed in Delhi on Wednesday, cutting short his trip. He held meeting with EAM S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval at Palam Airport upon his arrival. Earlier, he had a telephonic conservation with Union Home Minister on the tragic incident. PM Modi condemned the attack and assured that evil agenda of terrorists will never succeed.
PM Modi wrote on X, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Ahead Of Amarnath Yatra
Another reason that this attack has drawn widespread condemnation is its timing – just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on 3rd July and conclude on 9th August 2025. The Yatra will last for approximately 45 days. Pahalgam terror attack is likely to impact Amarnath Yatra also, as it is undertaken by huge number of devotees, who might reconsider going there. Notably, there have been attacks during Amarnath Yatra in 2017. On July 10, 2017, at least seven pilgrims returning from the Amarnath Shrine were killed in Anantnag district after terrorists opened fire on their bus and a security vehicle.
PM Modi had earlier, called for strongest condemnation of the attack on Amarnath Yatris in 2017. “Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2017
Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Special Train Launched From Katra To Aid Stranded Tourists
