Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amit Shah Pays Tribute, Promises Swift Justice

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amit Shah Pays Tribute, Promises Swift Justice
Jitendra Kumar
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Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – April 23, 2025 — India is in mourning following a deadly terrorist attack in the popular hill station of Pahalgam, where militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, killing 28 people and injuring over 20. In a strong show of resolve, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site on Tuesday, paying homage to the victims and vowing swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.

The attack, claimed by the militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), occurred on the afternoon of April 22, targeting unarmed civilians including families, elderly travelers, and children. The scene of the attack, nestled among pine forests and known for its stunning views, quickly turned into a nightmare as gunfire erupted without warning.

Among the deceased are Indian nationals from several states and at least three foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. The youngest victim, a five-year-old girl from Delhi, has become a haunting symbol of the tragedy, with her photo widely circulated on social media and news platforms.

In response, Amit Shah flew to Jammu and Kashmir the following morning and visited both the site of the attack and the hospital in Srinagar treating survivors. At a small memorial erected in Baisaran Valley, Shah laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence. Flanked by security officials and senior members of the state administration, he addressed the press.

“This attack was a direct strike on India’s unity, peace, and resilience,” Shah said. “We will ensure justice for every life lost here. The government will not rest until every person involved in this cowardly act is held accountable.”

Shah also chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar with senior Army officers, CRPF officials, and intelligence agency heads. Sources confirmed that the Home Minister reviewed satellite imagery, preliminary investigation reports, and local security infrastructure. Additional troops have since been deployed in Pahalgam and surrounding regions, while security forces have launched intensified search and cordon operations in southern districts of the Valley.

According to initial reports, the attackers entered the area disguised as trekkers and used forest trails to reach Baisaran undetected. Investigators believe the operation was well-planned and may have involved logistical help from locals. Several suspects are currently being questioned, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the case.

Back in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and condemned the act as “inhuman and unforgivable.” In a statement issued late Tuesday, he emphasized that India’s fight against terrorism would continue with renewed force. “The lives lost will not be in vain. We will strike at the roots of terror with precision and determination,” he said.

The Parliament also observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims. Leaders across the political spectrum, including opposition figures such as Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the families affected.

Across India, the public outcry has been immense. Candlelight vigils, silent marches, and social media campaigns have sprung up in cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Lucknow. #PahalgamAttack and #JusticeForVictims have been trending, as citizens demand accountability and increased security in tourist zones.

Tourism, the lifeline of the Pahalgam region, has suffered a major setback. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has temporarily halted tourist activities in the valley while security assessments are conducted. Hotel bookings are being canceled en masse, and many local residents fear a long-term economic impact.

“This season was supposed to be a recovery for us after two difficult years,” said Aftab Lone, a hotel owner in Pahalgam. “Now we are back to zero. People are scared. And we are angry.”

To mitigate the immediate fallout, the state government has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Central agencies are also establishing counseling units for survivors and the families of victims, many of whom witnessed the attack firsthand.

Meanwhile, diplomatic channels are also active. The Ministry of External Affairs has reached out to the governments of Nepal and the UAE to facilitate the repatriation of their nationals and offer support. International condemnation has poured in from global leaders, with the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union all expressing solidarity with India and denouncing the use of violence against civilians.

Security experts are calling the incident a significant intelligence failure, pointing to lapses in monitoring known infiltration routes and insufficient surveillance in high-tourist zones. “There needs to be a complete rethinking of how we secure civilian spaces in conflict-sensitive regions,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) P. S. Narayanan, a defense analyst.

However, Amit Shah assured that this tragedy would lead to structural changes. “We are not just reacting. We are re-strategizing. What happened in Pahalgam must never be allowed to happen again,” he stated firmly.

As investigations continue and families grieve, India stands at a crossroads—one that demands a balance between safety and civil liberty, compassion and strength, memory and forward motion.

“The pain of Pahalgam will linger,” Shah concluded before returning to Delhi, “but it will not weaken us. It will remind us of who we are—and what we must protect.”

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.