War-Report -New Delhi : A devastating terrorist attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam on April 22 has claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national, and left over 20 others injured. This marks the deadliest assault on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the massacre, stating opposition to alleged demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley as their motive.
Targeted Violence
Eyewitnesses report that the assailants, armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on tourists, reportedly selecting victims based on their religion. The attack occurred during peak tourist season, with approximately 1,200 visitors present in the area.
National and International Repercussions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as “abhorrent” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closed its only land border crossing, and downgraded diplomatic ties. Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed all states to identify and deport Pakistani nationals.
Pakistan has denied involvement, labeling the incident a “false flag operation” and warning that any disruption to the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war. The country has also closed its airspace to Indian flights and suspended all bilateral treaties, including the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Escalating Tensions
Following the attack, Indian and Pakistani troops reportedly exchanged fire along the Line of Control, though no casualties were reported. The United Nations has called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the escalating crisis.
Ongoing Investigation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a probe into the attack. Sketches of three suspects linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba have been released, and a large-scale manhunt is underway, with approximately 1,500 individuals detained across Jammu and Kashmir.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the international community watches closely, urging both nations to de-escalate and seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further violence.
