28 killed in Pahalgam attack, one of Kashmir’s deadliest in decades
Locals condemn violence, global leaders react, and fears rise over economic and political fallout in disputed territory
SRINAGAR, Kashmir (MNTV) — At least 28 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in an attack by unknown gunmen on April 22 near Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The victims included tourists from across India and two foreign nationals, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the disputed region in more than two decades.
The attackers, believed to be six in number, were reportedly dressed in military uniforms—an apparent effort to avoid suspicion.
When the gunfire began, chaos unfolded.
Witnesses described the prolonged crackle of automatic weapons and the desperate panic as people scattered in all directions.
The assault quickly drew strong condemnation from across the world, underscoring the shock it generated far beyond the region.
Leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and officials from South Asia, China, and the UAE denounced the killings.
The World Muslim League also joined in expressing grief and outrage.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres added his voice, calling the attack “unacceptable under any circumstances,” through a statement by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
In the wake of the violence, the Indian government launched a multi-agency investigation.
Security forces stepped up operations across southern Kashmir, releasing sketches of the suspects and increasing counterinsurgency patrols in high-risk districts.
According to Indian media outlets, responsibility for the attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a relatively obscure armed group that surfaced in 2019.
While Kashmiri armed groups have fought for independence from India for decades, they have largely avoided targeting tourists in recent years.
Tuesday’s killings appear to mark a stark and troubling shift—a development that has alarmed both local residents and analysts.
Local courage and solidarity
Amid the horror, stories of local heroism and compassion quickly emerged.
Residents in Pahalgam rushed to help, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals and offering food, shelter, and financial support to stranded tourists.
Donations came in from across the valley, showcasing a community united in its rejection of violence.
One such act of bravery came from Syed Adil Hussain, a pony operator who attempted to disarm one of the attackers.
He was fatally shot in the process. His death has been widely mourned and praised as an act of bravery.
The killings triggered widespread protests across the Kashmir Valley, where civil society groups, residents, and political leaders—including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti—marched in solidarity with the victims and to condemn the violence.
“This is not just murder—it is the murder of humanity,” said one demonstrator in comments to ANI.
Another protester appealed for unity: “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian—this is about human life. Don’t point fingers at each other.”
While many in Kashmir rallied around the victims, sections of Indian social media turned hostile, with Hindu right-wing users using the attack to spread Islamophobic narratives.
Some accused local Muslims of involvement in the attack, while others called for militarized crackdowns, including “Israel-style” responses, referring to Gaza genocide and demographic engineering in occupied territories.
This digital rhetoric has only deepened the unease among Kashmiri and Indian Muslims, who worry about collective punishment.
Fears for Kashmir’s fragile economy
Beyond politics and grief, many residents are now worried about the future of their livelihoods.
Kashmir’s tourism industry—one of the few steady sources of income in the region—had seen a notable rebound in recent years, with 3.5 million visitors recorded in 2024.
Now, hotel operators, taxi drivers, pony handlers, and shopkeepers fear that the attack will reverse those gains.
With bookings already being canceled, the economic impact could be immediate and long-lasting.
As the Kashmir Valley mourns the dead and grapples with fear, anger, and uncertainty, many are asking what comes next.
For Kashmiris, the road ahead remains as fragile as ever.
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