On April 22, 2025, the peaceful Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam became the site of one of the deadliest attacks the region has seen in years. Just after 2:30 PM, a group of seven militants emerged from the surrounding forests and opened fire on groups of tourists, including families and children, enjoying the spring weather.
The attackers were heavily armed with both AK-47s and American-made M4 carbines — the latter believed to have been trafficked from U.S.-supplied stockpiles in Afghanistan that fell into the hands of the Taliban after 2021. These weapons were later smuggled into Pakistan and eventually reached militants operating in Kashmir, according to Indian intelligence reports.
But the horror was not only in the scale of the violence — it was also in the precision of its targets. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen appeared to have spared women and children intentionally. “They were clearly aiming for the men,” said an anonymous survivor in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam massacre on social media shortly after the attack. However, the group later issued a statement denying its involvement, claiming the earlier message was the result of a « coordinated cyber intrusion » by Indian intelligence operatives. Indian authorities, however, dismissed this explanation as a cover-up, asserting that the group may have retracted its claim under pressure to avoid international backlash. Intelligence agencies have since confirmed that the attackers were foreign-trained militants linked to terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Understanding Kashmir’s Complex History
To understand why Kashmir often makes headlines, we have to look back to 1947. That year, British India was split into two countries: India and Pakistan. This split, called the Partition, was violent and left deep wounds. At the time, Kashmir was a princely state. Its ruler was Hindu, but most of the population was Muslim. He chose to join India, not Pakistan. This decision sparked the first war between the two new nations.
Today, Kashmir is split into three parts: one administered by India, one by Pakistan, and a small region by China. The Indian part is called Jammu and Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claim the whole region. Since 1947, they have fought multiple wars and skirmishes over it.
Kashmir has also seen long periods of unrest. In the 1990s, a violent insurgency began, supported by Pakistan-based groups. Thousands of civilians, soldiers, and militants have died since. In 2019, the Indian government removed Article 370 from the constitution. That law gave Jammu and Kashmir special status. The move was seen by many in the region as a step toward tighter control by Delhi. It also worsened tensions with Pakistan and China.
Diplomatic Fallout and Escalating Tensions
The Indian government responded swiftly after the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia. He returned immediately to New Delhi. An emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security was held. This led to several firm decisions.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation. It focused on the role of both local and foreign militants. Early findings showed that the attackers had studied the area in detail. They took advantage of weak points in the security setup.
In response, the government discussed stronger military presence. It considered deploying Army and paramilitary forces permanently in the region.
The attack severely strained India-Pakistan relations. India accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting the militants responsible for the massacre. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding agreement on water sharing, and closed the Wagah-Attari border, effectively halting cross-border trade and travel. Additionally, India expelled Pakistani diplomats and imposed restrictions on Pakistani nationals residing in the country.
Pakistan vehemently denied any involvement, labeling India’s actions as provocative. The Pakistani government warned of « serious consequences » if India proceeded with any military action, citing credible intelligence of an imminent Indian strike within 24 to 36 hours. Pakistan also suspended the Simla Agreement and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, further escalating the diplomatic crisis.
International Reactions and Calls for Restraint
The international community reacted swiftly to the Pahalgam attack. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the « brutal crime » and expressed solidarity with India, stating that the perpetrators would face deserved punishment. Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The United Arab Emirates also denounced the attack, emphasizing its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism. The New Indian Express
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom urged Indian and Pakistani communities to remain calm, highlighting concerns that the dispute could lead to unrest in the UK, which houses large Indian and Pakistani diasporas. The British government revised its travel guidance, advising against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except in specific cases.
Pahalgam massacre has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a significant diplomatic and military crisis. The pattern of violence in the region, coupled with the current escalation, highlights the urgent need for renewed dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms.
