In a devastating assault on April 22, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals and injuring over 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to alleged demographic changes in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, numbering between four to six and dressed in military-style uniforms, emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on the tourists, who were enjoying the scenic meadow. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including being forced to recite Islamic verses and subjected to physical checks to determine their religious identity.
Among the deceased were 24 Indian nationals from various states, two locals from Jammu and Kashmir, and two foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. The injured included individuals from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Notably, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official were among those killed.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar to assess the situation and coordinate the security response. In a show of solidarity, international leaders, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump, denounced the attack and expressed condolences.
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt to apprehend the attackers, deploying helicopters and imposing temporary lockdowns in parts of Pahalgam. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up 24×7 emergency control rooms in Anantnag and Srinagar to assist affected individuals.
This incident marks the deadliest attack on civilians in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, highlighting the persistent volatility in Jammu and Kashmir despite recent efforts to promote tourism and portray normalcy.
In Warsaw, Poland, the Hindu Bhavan Mandir committee is coming together to honor the lives lost in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam by organizing a sacred Garud Path ceremony at the temple. This powerful Vedic ritual, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s divine vehicle Garuda, is traditionally performed to bring peace and spiritual liberation to departed souls. Through this ceremony, the community seeks to offer solace to the grieving families, pay tribute to the victims, and collectively pray for peace and healing. The temple will be filled with chants, devotion, and deep reflection as members unite in solidarity with those affected by the tragic events in Pahalgam, sending their thoughts, prayers, and compassion across borders.
