NEW DELHI — A meticulously timed terrorist attack on April 22 claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident when armed militants emerged from pine forests in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, according to reports. The assault began at precisely 2:23 PM, catching visitors at the popular tourist destination off guard.
The three attackers, identified as Pakistani nationals, had reportedly taken cover in the dense pine forest surrounding the scenic valley before launching their coordinated strike on unsuspecting crowds. Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district, is among Kashmir's most frequented tourist destinations, drawing visitors for its pristine landscapes and proximity to the Amarnath pilgrimage route.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years, raising fresh concerns about militant infiltration and the security apparatus protecting tourist zones. The Baisaran Valley, often called 'Mini Switzerland' by locals, sits at an elevation accessible through horse rides and trekking routes from the main Pahalgam town.
Security forces have launched extensive combing operations in the surrounding forest areas following the attack. The assault comes during the spring tourist season when Kashmir typically witnesses increased visitor footfall, putting additional pressure on authorities to reassess security protocols at vulnerable civilian locations across the Union Territory.