Delhi has been placed on high alert following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday, April 22, in which 26 people were killed. The attack, attributed to the Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), took place in the popular tourist area of Baisaran, near the Pahalgam resort town in Anantnag district.
The attack occurred around 2:30 p.m., when gunmen opened fire on tourists and locals in the upper meadows of the Baisaran valley, a serene spot known for its scenic beauty, often referred to as the “Switzerland of India.” Among the victims were women, elderly people, and tourists from various regions, including two foreign nationals. The assault also left more than 20 people injured, many critically.
In response to the tragic incident, authorities in Delhi have heightened security measures, especially at tourist spots and other critical sites throughout the national capital. Delhi police have been instructed to closely monitor areas frequented by visitors and key infrastructure, following intelligence reports about potential security threats.
The Pahalgam attack is being described as one of the most devastating acts of terrorism in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The timing of the attack, just as the peak tourist and pilgrimage season approaches and amid the visit of US Vice President J.D. Vance to India, has heightened the sense of urgency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in the strongest terms, offering his condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. “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,” Modi wrote on social media.
Initial reports suggest that the terrorists may have crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and infiltrated the Baisaran area through Kokernag in South Kashmir, though investigations are ongoing. Baisaran, located approximately six kilometers from Pahalgam, is a popular tourist destination known for its vast meadows surrounded by dense pine forests and towering mountains, making it a favorite among nature lovers and adventure tourists.
The attack, which has sent shockwaves through the region, underscores ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has long been a hotspot for insurgent activities. With the arrival of the tourist season, authorities are focused on preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors.
This latest act of violence has sparked widespread condemnation across India, with calls for increased security measures to protect civilians and safeguard the country’s tourism industry, which is crucial for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The investigation into the attack continues as officials work to uncover further details about the perpetrators and their motives.
