Terror Attack in Pahalgam: 28 Tourists Killed in Baisaran Valley Assault

23-04-2025

06:03 AM

1 min read

What’s in Today’s Article?

Twenty-eight people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, a scenic spot in Pahalgam, Anantnag district of J&K.
This is the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The remote, high-altitude area—accessible only by foot or horseback—posed challenges for rescue efforts.
The Resistance Front, an ISI-backed proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault.

Pahalgam is a popular hill station located in the Anantnag district in the southern part of the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir.
It lies approximately 90 km from Srinagar International Airport.

Known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’, Pahalgam offers lush mountain trails, dense forests, and the scenic Lidder River.
Key attractions include:
- Amarnath Cave Temple: A revered Hindu shrine.
- Aru Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to species like brown bears and musk deer.
- Betaab Valley: Named after the Sunny Deol-starrer film Betaab.
- Tulian Lake: A serene alpine lake popular with trekkers.
- Baisaran Valley: A picturesque meadow drawing many tourists, often called “mini-Switzerland.”

Located just 5 km from Pahalgam, Baisaran is one of the region’s most popular tourist and trekking destinations.
Accessible only by foot or ponies, the lack of motorable roads made rescue operations difficult during the recent terrorist attack.

Baisaran is often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’ due to its long, dark meadows and striking resemblance to European landscapes.
The Pahalgam Development Authority highlights its eye-catching beauty, dense pine forests, and snow-capped mountain backdrop.

The meadow serves as a key campsite for trekkers heading to Tulian Lake, which offers breathtaking views of Pahalgam and the Lidder Valley.

Baisaran’s picturesque scenery, including views of the Lidder River, attracts visitors in both summer and winter.

The Resistance Front (TRF) is a militant group that emerged as an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) shortly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
It quickly evolved into an active terror outfit, absorbing militants from various factions, particularly LeT.

In January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared TRF a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The ministry cited its involvement in psychological operations on social media to radicalize and incite the people of Jammu and Kashmir against the Indian state.

Since its formation, TRF has been responsible for several terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley, specifically targeting tourists, minority Kashmiri Pandits, and migrant labourers.

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed over two dozen civilians, is the deadliest targeting civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
It highlights a major internal security challenge with significant external implications for India.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, a surge in tourism to Jammu & Kashmir was viewed as a sign of peace and prosperity.
The attack shatters this image and revives the Valley’s painful memories of violence.

The attack occurred while US Vice-President JD Vance was visiting India and PM Modi was on a diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, a timing that echoes previous incidents aimed at international publicity.
- March 2000: 36 Sikhs were massacred in Anantnag just before President Clinton’s visit.
- May 2002: The Kaluchak attack coincided with US official Christina Rocca’s visit, killing 23 people including women and children.

The attack followed a provocative statement by Pakistan Army chief Gen. Asim Munir, who called Kashmir Pakistan’s "jugular vein."

Q1. What happened in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley?

Ans. A terrorist attack killed 28 tourists in Baisaran Valley, Anantnag, marking the deadliest assault since Article 370's abrogation.

Q2. Who is responsible for the Pahalgam attack?

Ans. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and backed by ISI, claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Q3. Why is Baisaran significant for tourists?

Ans. Baisaran, known as “Mini Switzerland,” is a scenic, remote meadow popular for trekking and camping near Pahalgam.

Q4. What is TRF and its role in Kashmir?

Ans. TRF is a militant group targeting civilians in Kashmir, designated a terrorist outfit under UAPA in January 2023.

Q5. Why is the Pahalgam attack geopolitically significant?

Ans. It disrupts Kashmir’s tourism-driven normalcy and occurred during key international diplomatic visits, gaining global attention.

Source: IE | LM | ABP