 "Pahalgam attack in nutshell: Hamas style terror in meadows, infiltration bid, Kashmir bandh & wait for response")
A deadly terrorist attack unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday (22 April), resulting in the deaths of at least 26 civilians—mostly tourists—and leaving several others injured.
The Pahalgam terror attack, what experts are calling a Hamas-style terror assault, unfolded in the Kashmir valley’s meadows by Pakistani intruders.
In both the attack, attackers killed innocents lives, after crossing the border and firing upon people increminately
In response, a Kashmir bandh was called, and now the nation waits for a strong response to the deadly attack. India, previo
The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Survivors of the Pahalgam terror attack said six terrorists, dressed in Indian Army uniforms, asked tourists to identify themselves and recite Islamic verses before shooting them at close range.
Forces foil infiltration bid at LoC
Meanwhile, the Army foiled an infiltration attempt near the Line of Control in Baramulla’s Uri sector. According to Army officials, 2–3 unidentified terrorists tried to cross into Indian territory through the Sarjeevan area on Wednesday (23 April). Alert soldiers intercepted them, leading to a gunfight. The operation is still ongoing.
“On 23 April 2025, approximately 2–3 unidentified terrorists tried to infiltrate through the general area Sarjeevan at Uri Nala, Baramulla (in north Kashmir),” Chinar Corps said in a post on X.
‘Hamas-style’ attack
The attack has drawn comparisons to the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, where militants crossed into Israeli territory from Gaza and killed civilians indiscriminately. In the Pahalgam incident, Pakistani infiltrators reportedly asked tourists about their religion, checked their IDs, and demanded they recite Islamic verses. Those who could not were shot at point-blank range.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOn 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, marking one of the most devastating days in the nation’s history.
The assault involved thousands of rockets fired from Gaza and ground incursions by militants. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and over 200 were taken hostage.
Former J&K Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid called the Pahalgam attack a “Pulwama 2.0 moment” and compared it to Hamas’ October 7 assault. He said India must respond strongly, as Israel did.
“This was a Hamas-style attack like 7 October in Israel. It’s no coincidence that Asim Munir (Pakistan Army chief) made provocative statements two days prior, followed by this attack where tourists were asked their religion,” Vaid said.
“Our response should be appropriate, just like Israel’s,” he added.
Amit Shah in Srinagar
The bodies of the 26 tourists killed were brought to Srinagar today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived soon after the attack, paid tribute by laying wreaths on their coffins at the Police Control Room.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and returned to Delhi on Wednesday to hold an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, led by an Inspector General, has also been sent to Pahalgam to assist local police with the investigation.
Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack.
“The operation is ongoing, and all efforts are being made to bring the attackers to justice,” said the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps in a late-night statement.
Bandh in J&K in response to the attack
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir supported a shutdown (bandh) on Wednesday to condemn the violence and show solidarity with the victims’ families.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) urged people to observe the bandh and strongly denounce the attack. “We appeal to the people of J&K to support the bandh called by religious and social leaders,” the party posted on X.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti also backed the shutdown, calling it an attack on everyone. “This isn’t just an attack on a few—it’s an attack on all of us,” she wrote.
The Jammu Chamber and Bar Association also called for a complete shutdown to protest the attack.
Tourists fleeing the Valley
Thousands of tourists have begun leaving Kashmir following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. Authorities are working to ensure their safe return to their home states. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the tourists’ departure “heartbreaking.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the Valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave. While DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights, NH-44 between Srinagar and Jammu has been reconnected for one-way traffic,” Abdullah posted on X.
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