- By Raju Kumar
- Wed, 23 Apr 2025 01:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the most deadly terror attack that claimed at least 26 lives and left several injured post abrogation of Article 370 and making the state into Union Territory (UT) in 2019. According to the media reports, 3-4 terrorists unleashed attacks with modern weapons (military-grade weapons) on tourists gathered at the Baisaran valley, also known as 'Mini Switzerland' in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Since summer vacation, a peak period for the tourists' footfall, is underway, the visitors in a large number flocked there.
The militant attack prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his Saudia Arabia visit and return to New Delhi. The prime minister arrived in the national capital on Wednesday morning and soon after his arrival, he conducted a key meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. On the other hand, Home Minister Amit Shah Shah went to Jammu and Kashmir. He met victims' family members, following paying homage to the deceased in Pahalgam.
How World Reacts To Pahalgam attack
US President Donald Trump made a telephone call to PM Modi, offering his condolences at the loss of lives. The US President condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this "heinous attack." Russian President Vladimir Putin extended heartfelt condolences, following the tragic terrorist attack. Putin called for the punishment of those responsible and reiterated Russia's commitment to enhancing cooperation with India in combating terrorism. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, on X, said, "Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror."
Why Terrorists Likely Chose To Attack Pahalgam
Tourism And Local Economy: Terror organisations never digest the progress of the UT. Tourism sector is the spine of the state economy. They wanted to paralyse the sector so that they could distract youths to join the armed movement against India. Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley was experiencing an influx of tourists, which possibly made it an attractive target for terrorists to create widespread fear among visitors. The region is also known as "mini-Switzerland," which draws a huge number of tourists every year.
Amarnath Yatra: A traditionally significant religious pilgrimage, Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to be started on July 3. The Hindu pilgrimage always remains under terror threat. This time, the terrorists probably picked Pahalgam to indirectly target to Amarnath Yatra as the route of pilgrimage goes through the region.
Forest And Lack Of Transporation: Geographically, the Baisaran Valley area was an easy target as they could flee easily in the forest post-attack. According to the media report, the phone network remains weak in the area and the road network is not so good.
Why Is Timing Significant?
The timing of the terror attack goes in favour of the terrorists as the terror outfits always want to paint Jammu and Kashmir in the world as a restive state. The militants carried off the attack at a time when PM Modi was on his Saudi Arabia visit and US Vice President JD Vance, along with his family, was on an India tour. Now, India is in focus of globale media, so, probably, it was an ideal time to caryy off terror attack to draw maximum attention of the world
Quoting a survivor, media reports emerged in which terrorists wanted to give a message to PM Modi. A woman survivor, Pallavi, told a TV anchor that the attackers killed her husband but left her alive to send a message to PM Modi. The survivor said the terrorists told her that “Go tell this to Modi.” This shows that the Modi government's policies to uproot terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir made them desperate.