Brutal Terrorist Attacks On India Since Independence: Pahalgam Terror Attack, 26/11 And More

Pahalgam Terror Attack:  India has faced several barbaric terrorist attacks since its independence in 1947. These attacks have not just resulted in massive loss of life but have also left scars on the nation's heart that can never be healed. From civilians and government to even places of worship and open spaces, no place has been spared from these ruthless terrorist attacks in India. The terrorist attacks mostly happen with a motive of separatist, religious, or political. Here’s a look back at the brutal terrorist attacks in India since Independence.

List Of Brutal Terrorist Attacks on India After Independence: 

Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025)

As per survivors, on 22 April 2025, a group of gunmen dressed in army uniforms carried out a mass shooting in the Baisaran open field outside Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The militants, who were between four to six in number, attacked a group of tourists, killing at least 28 individuals and injuring more than 20. According to survivors, the militants also ordered victims to recite the Islamic kalma, and spared those who were Muslim, but killed other people at close range. The attack was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Kashmir. The Indian government has called for security operations in the area and has promised to punish the culprits.

Mumbai Attacks (2008)

Between November 26 and 29 in 2008, ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists conducted a coordinated plan of shootings and bombings in Mumbai. They targeted a train station, two luxury hotels, a Jewish community centre, and a cafe. The attacks took the lives of 164 citizens and injured more than 300 individuals. The terrorists used grenades and assault rifles and took the city hostage for four traumatic days..

Bombay Bombings (1993)

On March 12, 1993, a chain of 12 bomb blasts took place. The incident shook Mumbai, then Bombay. The barbaric attack killed 257 people and injured over 1,400 people. The Bombay Stock Exchange, hotels, banks, and bazaars were the targets of the bombs. The suspected links lay with terrorist organisations, who carried out the blasts to create communal unrest. This is one of the worst terror attacks in Indian history.

Indian Parliament Attack (2001)

On December 13, 2001, five terrorists impersonating commandos attacked India's Parliament building in New Delhi. The terrorists killed nine police officers and officials. The attackers were armed with AK-47s and bombs, and they intended to assassinate political leaders and destroy the government. All the attackers were gunned down. This incident resulted in increased tension between the neighbouring nations, India and Pakistan.

Assassination of Indira Gandhi (1984)

It was not a terrorist attack that caused mass casualties. On October 31, 1984, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi shook the world. Her Sikh bodyguards assassinated her in revenge for Operation Blue Star, which was a military operation against the Golden Temple to drive out militants. The assassination of Indira Gandhi led to anti-Sikh riots and increased violence in Punjab, resulting in thousands of fatalities.

Delhi Bombings (2005)

On 29th October, 2005, Delhi witnessed three barbarous bombings that resulted in the death of more than 60 individuals and injuring about 200 people. Crowded markets and public areas were targeted in the attack to instil widespread fear among the nation.

Major Brutal Terrorist Attacks on India Since Independence: 

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