Sometimes, we think certain places are above pain. Like they’re just too beautiful to be touched by such ugly things. That’s how many of us see Kashmir especially Pahalgam. Last week, I was talking to a friend who had just come back from there. She told me about the green meadows, the cold Lidder river, the sound of horses trotting around Baisaran “It felt like another world,” she said. And honestly, I could almost picture it.
But just a few days later, on 22nd April 2025, that same peaceful place saw something no one expected. A brutal terror attack. Gunmen opened fire at tourists in Baisaran meadow. At least 26 people died. Some reports say 28. Many others were hurt. Just like that, the joy turned into chaos.
For people like me who’ve always looked at Kashmir as a place of peace and healing this news felt like a punch to the gut. Not just because of the lives lost. But because this kind of violence brings back fear. It’s like a dark cloud that refuses to go away.
What Exactly Happened?
It was a regular Tuesday. Around 1 PM. The meadow was full of tourists families, kids, even newlyweds. People were enjoying pony rides, taking selfies, eating local snacks. Suddenly, out of nowhere, some armed men appeared and started firing.
There was panic. People ran in all directions. Some tried to hide behind rocks, others fell on the ground to avoid bullets. It was over in a few minutes. But the damage done was massive.
Among those who died was a young Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal. He had just gotten married on 16th April. A tourist from Karnataka, Manjunath, was also killed right in front of his wife and son. It’s hard to even imagine that kind of pain.
A group called The Resistance Front (TRF) linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba took responsibility later. Security agencies believe they wanted to target Hindu tourists just before the Amarnath Yatra season, which starts in July.
Immediate Reactions
Right after the attack, local police and army teams rushed to the spot. Injured people were taken by helicopter and ponies to hospitals. Emergency numbers were shared for families trying to reach their loved ones.
Leaders across parties spoke out. Prime Minister Modi called it a “heinous act” and asked for strong action. Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar for a high-level security check. Even global leaders like US President Trump and Israeli ministers stood with India. But, honestly, after every attack, we hear strong words. What really matters is what happens next.
Lives That Were Shattered
You know, it’s easy to say “26 people died.” But behind each number is a full story. A family. A future. A hope.
Like I said, Lieutenant Narwal was newly married. Manjunath had come with his wife and child for a holiday. Another tourist, Prashant from Odisha, had been planning this trip for months. Survivors are still recovering in hospitals physically and mentally.
The Karnataka government stepped in to bring back the bodies. But can anyone bring back the peace their families lost?
Kashmir’s Tourism Takes a Hit
Kashmir’s beauty attracts lakhs of tourists every year. It’s not just good for Instagram — it’s bread and butter for many locals. Pony owners, taxi drivers, hotel staff, shopkeepers — all depend on these visitors.
After this attack, fear is back. People are cancelling trips. Amarnath Yatra, which brings thousands of pilgrims, might see tighter security now. But fewer tourists means fewer jobs. And that’s a big worry for people who are already struggling.
I remember a Kashmiri friend of mine, Javed bhai, who runs a small guesthouse in Srinagar. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, he barely had any guests for months. Now again, he’s scared bookings will drop.
Is Kashmir Really Safe?
This is the big question. Every few months, something happens that shakes the peace. Since the 1989 insurgency, Kashmir has seen many such dark days. The 2019 Pulwama attack took 40 CRPF lives. Just last year, 9 Hindu pilgrims were killed in a bus attack in Reasi.
After Article 370 was scrapped in 2019, the government said things would improve. And yes, some normalcy did return. But this attack shows that threats are still very much alive. Especially from groups operating across the border.
Security experts are now asking how was such a busy tourist spot left so exposed? Shouldn’t there have been more checks? More patrols?
So, What Happens Now?
For now, the Army has launched a search operation. Drones, checkpoints, more boots on the ground. But security alone isn’t enough.
We need to support the families of victims. Help local businesses bounce back. And more importantly, start honest conversations about why such hate still exists and how to heal this long wound.
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti called for a protest bandh. Locals held a candle march in silence. These are not just political moves these are signs that people want peace, not revenge.
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