On April 22, 2025, a horrifying act of terrorism shattered the peace of the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir. That Tuesday afternoon, five militants armed with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles stormed the meadow – a spot often called “mini Switzerland” for its lush beauty – and opened fire on groups of tourists​reuters.com​en.wikipedia.org. In a span of minutes, 26 innocent people were killed and many others wounded before the attackers vanished into the surrounding pine forests​reuters.com​ndtv.com. Officials immediately launched a massive hunt. The Central Reserve Police and other forces soon fanned out across the valley. For locals and survivors, the scene was one of utter chaos: terrified pilgrims, gunfire echoing among the trees, and the meadow – once so tranquil – splattered with innocent blood​ndtv.com​reuters.com.

Terror struck the famed Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, as tourists picnicked in the valley. (Image: Unsplash)

Investigators later confirmed the target was not random. The terrorists stopped families and individuals, demanding identity proofs. They asked each victim to recite the Islamic kalma and forced males to remove their lower garments to check for circumcision​timesofindia.indiatimes.com​ndtv.com. Those who failed these religious “tests” – identifying as non-Muslims – were shot at point-blank range. Within hours, it became clear that all 26 slain were men, and 25 of them were Hindus​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. This cold, methodical profiling – straight out of ISIS-like brutality – turned a scenic tourist spot into a killing field. One survivor recounted how the attackers “apparently asked if you were Hindu” before firing, aiming precisely for heads and leaving bodies until “they fell down”​ndtv.com. In a valley once known for its unity of pilgrims from different faiths, fear and grief now reigned.

Hindu Targeting in Baisaran Valley

Investigators and eyewitnesses were unanimous: this was a hate crime targeting Hindus. In the minutes before the slaughter, the gunmen systematically sorted the visitors by faith. They demanded that each person recite the Islamic creed (Kalma), checked IDs, and even ordered men to unbutton and remove trousers – searching for circumcision signs – to single out Hindus ​timesofindia.indiatimes.com​ndtv.com. Only after identifying someone as a Hindu did they shoot. A terrified survivor described the heart-stopping moment: “They had checked for faith… telling us to recite the Kalma, [and] remove trouser so that they could check for circumcision. Once they found we were Hindus, they opened fire.”​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The militants explicitly spared women and children, focusing their carnage on unarmed Hindu men.

Among those killed was 31-year-old Shubham Dwivedi, a newlywed IT entrepreneur from Kanpur. His grieving wife, Ashanya Dwivedi, relayed to reporters the final moments: “He proudly sacrificed his life by identifying himself as a Hindu and saved the lives of many people,” she said through tears​ ndtv.com. Ashanya explained that after the first bullet hit Shubham, the terrorists took time to ask whether the victims were Hindu or Muslim. In that brief pause, several families bolted and escaped; “In such a situation, many people got time to run and save their lives,” she noted​ ndtv.com. The chilling efficiency of the profiling left the Hindu community in shock and mourning.

The Perpetrators: TRF and Pakistani Links

Responsibility for this gruesome massacre was quickly claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadowy Islamist militant group in Kashmir. Within days, Indian agencies connected TRF directly to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) network. TRF – sometimes calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” – emerged around 2019 and is widely viewed as a front for the Pakistan-based LeT​ reuters.com. Security analysts note that TRF operations are essentially LeT operations under another name. As Ajai Sahni of the South Asia Terrorism Portal explained, “This is basically a front of the LeT… created… when Pakistan was under pressure… to create a pattern of denial that they were involved in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir”​reuters.com. Indian authorities noted that TRF claimed credit on its social media handles for the Pahalgam killings​reuters.com​ndtv.com. The group had not previously been linked to such a large attack, but intelligence sources stress that “all TRF operations are essentially LeT operations”​reuters.com. In short, every clue – from ballistics to digital chatter – pointed to a Pakistani-sponsored terrorist strike masquerading under a local banner.

Pakistan’s government predictably denied involvement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif even offered “a neutral, transparent and credible investigation” on Sunday – three days after the attack – trying to counter India’s accusations​hindustantimes.com. But trust was shattered. New Delhi had already accused Pakistani militants of behind-the-scenes direction, noting that Kashmir police had released sketches naming three suspects – two of whom were Pakistani nationals​reuters.com. Islamabad’s offer was met with skepticism by Jammu & Kashmir leaders. CM Omar Abdullah noted that Pakistan first denied the attack happened, then blamed India – undermining its credibility​hindustantimes.com. Meanwhile, outside investigations confirmed India’s concerns: reporters from Reuters noted that Indian officials insisted the attack had “cross-border linkages,” even as evidence was not publicly shared​reuters.com.

Victim Stories and Human Tragedy

Behind every statistic were real people: families on holiday, engineers celebrating birthdays, young couples enjoying Kashmir’s spring splendor. Among them were newlyweds and backpackers. The personal stories that emerged were heart-wrenching. Bharat Bhushan, a software engineer from Bengaluru, was gunned down before the eyes of his wife and 3-year-old son​ndtv.com. In an emotional account, Bharat’s mother-in-law tearfully recounted how terrorists asked each person’s religion before shooting. “They asked if you were Hindu and then shot them… They didn’t shoot women and children, but shot the men in the head,” she said​ndtv.com. Twenty-year-old Bharat died instantly, a cruel casualty of his faith.

Another victim was Shubham Dwivedi, whom his widow Ashanya recalled as *“strong” and “proud”. They had married just two months earlier. Standing at a memorial gathering, Ashanya spoke of her husband “proudly sacrificing his life by identifying himself as a Hindu”​ndtv.com. Her words highlighted how Shubham’s quick thinking – confirming his identity – gave others a chance to flee. “He saved the lives of many people,” she said, seeking to ensure his ultimate sacrifice was honored. The Dwivedi and Bhushan families symbolize the human cost: 26 futures cut short, from all across India (and even two foreigners), leaving behind grief and unanswered why-questions.

These stories have galvanized the nation’s sentiment. In Srinagar, anxious locals lit candles in memory of the fallen, praying that such horror never recur. Across India and among diaspora communities, vigils were held in Toronto, London, and beyond, uniting Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities in shared grief. Mourners carried signs reading “Stop Terrorism in Kashmir” as they convened at parks and temples, emphasizing solidarity: “Today, we stood together… to renew our commitment to a world where hatred has no home,” said a community leader in Toronto​hindustantimes.com. These scenes of unity – believers of all faiths holding hands and lighting candles – underscored a national vow: that the killers would not divide the people of India.

Government Response and Security Measures

The Indian government’s response was swift and stern. On April 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, condemning the “devastating terrorist attack”​aljazeera.com. He offered condolences to the victims’ families and pledged that “all possible assistance is being provided”​aljazeera.com. Modi vowed that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice … they will not be spared!”​aljazeera.com, using determined language to signal zero tolerance. The next day he chaired a high-level meeting (the Cabinet Committee on Security) to coordinate India’s response. The outcome was a series of punitive measures against Pakistan: suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the Attari-Wagah land border crossing, revoking visas of Pakistani nationals (except diplomats and students), and downgrading diplomatic ties​reuters.com​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. As Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil announced, “not even a single drop of water” would flow to Pakistan for the foreseeable future​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. These steps were aimed at signaling that support for cross-border terrorism would carry heavy costs.

Simultaneously, internal security was tightened. The Home Ministry directed states to remain vigilant. The BSF (Border Security Force) increased patrols, and checkpoints were set up at strategic locations. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was tapped to lead the probe. On April 27, the NIA formally took over the case from Jammu & Kashmir Police​ndtv.com​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. An NIA official announced that exit/entry points in the valley were being closely examined and forensic teams deployed to reconstruct the attackers’ movements​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Over 500 locals were being questioned as potential “overground workers” (OGWs) aiding the militants – the state had already detained dozens of suspects in the following days.

In Delhi, security was also beefed up. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired another meeting to review preparedness in sensitive areas. He instructed police to prevent any communal flare-ups and to monitor social media for hate speech. Anti-terror agencies issued advisories for tourist zones nationwide. In parliament, government MPs reiterated support for victims. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party launched multiple outreach efforts to assure Kashmiris and minority groups of continued peace-building, even as India’s retaliation to the attack took center stage.

Political and Opposition Reactions

Political responses ranged from sharp criticism of Pakistan to introspection about domestic security. In Parliament’s opposition bloc, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi broke silence with a tepid criticism: “The whole country is united against terrorism,” he said, urging the government to focus on “accountability” rather than political point-scoring​aljazeera.com. He implied that claims of “normalcy” in Kashmir were hollow if terrorists could infiltrate so easily. Another Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor, took a surprising stance by defending the government against blame for intelligence lapses​hindustantimes.com. Tharoor told ANI that no country has “foolproof 100 percent intelligence”, citing how even Israel was caught off-guard on October 7, 2023​hindustantimes.com. He argued that while intelligence failures occurred, they should not distract from the main task of ensuring justice​hindustantimes.com.

In contrast, the BJP and allied parties hammered on Pakistan’s role. Parliamentary voices called it “state-sponsored terrorism” and pressed for stronger action. Regional leaders added their voices. Mehbooba Mufti (former J&K Chief Minister and PDP president) posted on X, “As our nation mourns the tragic loss of innocent lives… let us raise our hands together as one community to pray for the souls of the departed”​m.economictimes.com. She urged Kashmiri imams to hold special prayers for victims, emphasizing communal solidarity​m.economictimes.com. Omar Abdullah (J&K’s ruling National Conference chief) struck a balance: condemning the attack, he stressed “a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin” while warning against actions that alienate Kashmir’s populace​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Abdullah said Kashmiri citizens had spontaneously come out against the killing of innocents, and that governments must support that unity rather than act in ways that could widen mistrust​timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

On the streets, local J&K authorities quietly redoubled security in Srinagar and other cities. Omar Abdullah’s administration sent ministers to meet communities across India, especially in states with large Kashmiri populations, to ensure safety. The message was clear: Kashmir’s people were victims too, and the attack was not meant to sow sectarian discord among them. By and large, mainstream Kashmiri leaders (regardless of party) condemned the attack unreservedly. Even separatist figures called for restraint, fearing communal repercussions. Through one voice or many, political leaders in Delhi and Srinagar underscored unity, some citing the Indian Constitution’s commitment to pluralism, others invoking religious unity to stand against “hatred” and “violence” that terrorists intended to inflame.

Public Reactions and Candlelight Vigils

The assault on Pahalgam tourists shook people across India and the world. Nationwide, spontaneous protests and vigils sprung up. In Kashmir, Srinagar’s main Jamia Masjid and central plazas saw candlelight gatherings where locals of all faiths joined to mourn. Posters reading “United Against Terrorism” were held aloft as people prayed for peace. In colleges and city squares from Delhi to Bengaluru, youth organized marches. Many chanted slogans like “Bharat mata ki jai” and “We stand united” to emphatically reject the terrorists’ divide-and-rule aims.

Overseas, the Hindu diaspora was especially vocal. In Toronto, hundreds of Indo-Canadian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims gathered at the Gita Park in Brampton for a solemn vigil​hindustantimes.com. They carried national flags and signs – “Stop Terrorism in Kashmir” – and recited prayers in memory of the slain. “The gathering served as a powerful reminder of unity, compassion, and the collective determination to uphold peace,” said Kushagr Dutt Sharma of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce​hindustantimes.com. Similar vigils were held in London, Sydney and Tel Aviv​m.economictimes.com, where the terror attack was denounced as a crime against humanity. Even small towns held candlelight marches; for example, the Hyderabad Congress staged a silent march with hundreds of lights, where the city’s imams, priests, and community leaders all called for harmony​m.economictimes.com.

Some protests were specifically pointed at Pakistan. A group of Indians outside the Pakistani High Commission in London held placards condemning Islamabad’s terror tactics, demanding justice for Pahalgam victims. In India, security forces kept a close eye on such gatherings but generally allowed them, seeing them as expressions of national unity. There were also fears of communal backlash against minorities; authorities in Punjab and Assam reported some threatening social media posts. The Assam government quickly arrested several people “justifying” the attack on social media, warning that “strict action is underway”​m.economictimes.com. However, thanks to widespread appeals by leaders and community elders, outright communal violence did not materialize. Instead, the public mood coalesced around grief and defiance – a collective promise that the attackers’ aim of stoking Hindu-Muslim strife would fail.

India-Pakistan Tensions and Global Reactions

Almost immediately, the attack turned into a full-blown diplomatic crisis with Pakistan. Both governments exchanged harsh measures. India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 24 – a move seen as severe – was framed by Prime Minister Modi as a matter of national interest​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. New Delhi also closed the Attari border crossing, revoked most Pakistani visas​reuters.com, and cut diplomatic staff in Islamabad. Islamabad responded tit-for-tat: Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines, halted all trade including transit routes, and suspended special visas for Indians​reuters.com​aljazeera.com. It even threatened to abrogate the 1972 Simla Agreement​reuters.com – an ominous step given the decades-old peace pact – and declared India’s treaty suspension an “act of war”​reuters.com. Both sides floated vague threats of further action. The nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought three wars over Kashmir, suddenly found themselves at their tensest point in years.

The international community watched anxiously. Several world leaders condemned the terrorist attack: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it “unacceptable” and offered condolences to families​ndtv.com. The UK, US, France and Germany all issued statements denouncing the targeting of civilians. Notably, US officials privately urged restraint, reminding India and Pakistan that rash military steps could lead to wider conflict. Pakistan tried to bring in third parties, with an unusual offer for a neutral probe (even suggesting Russia and China help)​reuters.com​hindustantimes.com – a bid that New Delhi flatly rejected as a cover-up attempt. There were murmurings at the UN about whether the ceasefire line (LoC) should be monitored more strictly.

Nuclear analysts began to speak in hushed tones about the risk of escalation. The world remembered the 2001 Parliament attack or the 1999 Kargil War – past episodes where Kashmir-based terrorism almost spilled into war. Here too, alarms rang: economists noted Pakistan’s bond yields spiking​reuters.com. Anxiety was visible on global grain markets (since Indus cutoffs could threaten crops). However, cooler heads prevailed; India publicly insisted its response was limited to diplomatic and economic tools, and Pakistan similarly avoided blatant military moves. Crucially, no artillery or airstrikes broke out along the LoC in the following week, though both armies remained on high alert. On April 26, India even asked the Pakistani High Commissioner to leave the country as a reciprocal gesture. Many international diplomats quietly pressed both sides: India must provide proof of “cross-border” links if it is to justify such drastic actions, and Pakistan must genuinely clamp down on militants if it claims innocence. But in the end, most global actors respected India’s right to self-defense and condemnation, even as they urged a de-escalation of rhetoric about “acts of war.”

Security Lapses and Intelligence Failures

Amidst the foreign policy standoff, India also grappled with a sobering introspection: how did this happen? Critics pointed to clear intelligence failures. Kashmir was not in the throes of active militancy at that level – tourism had been booming again – so the attack was a major upset. Former Army Chief Gen. Shankar Roychowdhury bluntly labeled Pahalgam a result of “intelligence failure”​m.economictimes.com. In interviews, he demanded that those responsible for the lapse be held to account: “Somebody must answer for the lapses… there is definitely someone responsible for negligence,” he told PTI​m.economictimes.com. He noted that Pakistan’s ISI almost certainly had a hand in orchestrating the strike, and said it was unacceptable for India’s spymasters to be caught unaware of militants crossing over.

In Parliament and public discourse, questions were raised: Why were 70 “OGWs” (overground workers) tracked in connection with the attack, as Kashmir police later revealed​timesofindia.indiatimes.com? How did five gunmen infiltrate into remote Baisaran valley with gear and horses without tipping off authorities? Were local officials lax, or even complicit? (Rumors swirled, but official probes so far found no evidence of local government collusion – only embarrassment at oversight.) The fact that the terrorists left minimal electronic trail suggested sophistication or inside help. Security analysts noted that in the run-up to the attack, there had been no public intelligence warnings about a threat to Pahalgam.

This admission of failure was politically sensitive. The government pushed back against being blamed entirely. As Congress MP Shashi Tharoor argued, “No country can have 100 percent foolproof intelligence”​hindustantimes.com. He invoked examples like Hamas’s surprise strike on Israel last year to say even the best agencies can be caught off guard. Still, after initial shock, there was a consensus on the need to upgrade intelligence. Home Minister Amit Shah publicly urged NIA and local agencies to improve on-the-ground informant networks in villages. The ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) was directed to enhance surveillance in border belts. Senior officers were detailed to night shifts in Kashmir’s plains. One proposal under discussion was to double-check passenger lists at tourist spots and implement more undercover surveillance along the Karachi trail from the LoC.

Strengthening Defenses: Short- and Long-Term Solutions

In response to the attack’s security gaps, experts and officials suggested immediate and future measures. On the immediate front, authorities called for tighter vetting of guides and ponywallahs (horse operators) who ferry tourists into valleys, since the gunmen used horses to enter. Checkpoints were reinforced on the typical trekking routes. Weekend patrols by SOG (Special Operations Group) commandos were increased in and around tourist sites. Intelligence agencies reportedly compiled lists of dozens of suspected local radicals and potential LeT/TRF sympathizers, launching raids and questioning many to disrupt any planned copycat strikes​m.economictimes.com. The Ashok Kumar (Tahir) Aru post, the usual staging ground for Pahalgam hikes, instituted roll-calls to log tourist movements.

Longer-term, policy discussions turned to systemic upgrades. The Home Ministry initiated a review of intelligence-sharing between agencies (IB, RAW, state police) to ensure threats do not slip through cracks. Proposals included establishing a regional fusion center in Srinagar to integrate inputs from human intelligence, signals, and open sources. Experts advocated boosting funds for local community policing in Kashmir, encouraging villagers and tourists alike to report suspicious behaviour. Tourism industry stakeholders also promised to help: the J&K tourism department announced plans for joint safety drills at Pahalgam and other resorts, instructing hotel and guide operators in emergency protocols.

Moreover, there were calls for more outreach to address the ideology behind the attack. Some proposed renewing efforts in Jammu & Kashmir’s educational and economic sectors to counter extremism. Mehbooba Mufti’s plea to Imams highlighted one approach: using religious leaders to counter radical narratives and honor victims across faiths​m.economictimes.com. Civil society forums began organizing dialogues on national unity, urging schools and colleges to hold “unity rallies” where students learn about the Constitution’s secular ethos, preventing terrorists from exploiting communal fault lines.

Finally, the government indicated a continued security presence in tourist areas: separate ashrams and lodges for different faiths (Hindu temples, Gurudwaras, church missions) banded together to monitor pilgrim safety. The message was clear: Kashmir’s valleys were open for visitors, but with an added layer of alertness and cooperation.

Who Is to Blame? Unmasking the Culprits

There is no ambiguity about who unleashed this terror. Terrorist gunmen and their handlers bear direct responsibility. Five killers from TRF carried out the shootings – a unit spawned by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and sponsored by Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their intent was nothing short of genocide by faith, targeting Hindus in a spot symbolic of communal harmony. On a larger scale, the Pakistani state’s support network for such militants is culpable. From providing training camps to clandestine logistics, Islamabad’s establishments (despite public denials) have long empowered proxies like TRF​reuters.com​reuters.com. Islamabad’s initial denial of the attack and its later accusations of an Indian “false flag” only exposed how little it wanted to own up.

Locally, the investigation suggests some level of collusion or negligence. While no government official has been charged, the fact that “70 overground workers (OGWs)” were rounded up for questioning indicates that numerous Kashmiris reportedly aided the attackers​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The scale of support needed (horses, guides, safehouses) means others in the valley likely looked the other way – a tragic mirror of community betrayal. Politically, critics point to a disconnect: Kashmir’s people have repeatedly shown they yearn for peace and normalcy​timesofindia.indiatimes.com, yet narrow political battles have often left intelligence lines frayed. Whether this attack exploited political gaps or intentional blindspots is under scrutiny.

However, in public statements the focus has squarely remained on hitting the real perpetrators, not settling scores within India. Prime Minister Modi’s strongest words were reserved for the terrorists and their patronage: “We will pursue, track and punish the militants” he promised​reuters.com. Opposition leaders, while they sometimes sparred with the government over what could have been prevented, also unanimously condemned the violence. The collective narrative emphasizes a line from the United Nations: “Attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances”​ndtv.com.

Conclusion: Unity and Justice

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, a resolve has taken root. This hate-driven massacre backfired on its intended effect; rather than sowing discord, it galvanized Indians of every creed to stand together against terrorism. From Srinagar’s streets to Toronto’s parks, people lit candles and prayers united. Political leaders – Modi and Gandhi, Mufti and Shah – used the opportunity to stress “unity of 140 crore Indians” as India’s greatest strength​timesofindia.indiatimes.com. In Vishva Hindu Parishad temples, Muslim mosques, Sikh gurdwaras and Christian churches alike, common grief translated into a shared commitment: that no terrorist act will fracture India’s plural fabric.

As investigations continue, victims’ families demand justice in words that echo nationwide: “We want to see those who orchestrated this pay,” said one surviving pilgrim. The message from the top is firm. Prime Minister Modi’s vow reverberates: the killers will be hunted “and will not be spared”​aljazeera.com. The NIA, aided by local forces, is meticulously piecing together the plot, hoping to strike swiftly at the next cells. Meanwhile, India’s new diplomatic stance – including suspending water treaties and closing borders – underscores how seriously it views cross-border terrorism.

Above all, the Pahalgam attack has underscored a timeless truth: India’s unity transcends hate. In a valley known for its tourism and tranquility, terrorists aimed to paint fear, but instead found defiance. As the nation moves forward, the stories of Shubham, Bharat, and the other martyrs will fuel that resolve. India’s message is clear – Stand united against terrorism, defend every citizen’s life, and honor the memory of the victims with justice and solidarity.

Sources: Official reports and news accounts of the Pahalgam terror attack, including eyewitness testimonies and government statements​timesofindia.indiatimes.com​ndtv.com​ndtv.com​hindustantimes.com​reuters.com​ndtv.com​reuters.com​ndtv.com​aljazeera.com​m.economictimes.com. These detailed the timeline, religious targeting, perpetrators (TRF), victim accounts, official actions (NIA probe, treaty suspension), political reactions (Modi, Rahul, Mufti, Abdullah), public vigils, India-Pak tensions, and analyses of security lapses. The narrative above weaves these verified facts into a comprehensive account of the attack and its aftermath.

• The trek to Baisaran valley in Kashmir’s Pahalgam where the terror attack unfolded – ThePrintOnGround report detailing the setting and immediate aftermath of the shootings in the scenic meadow​YouTube

• Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Pakistan Fingerprints All Over Kashmir Terror Attack | Palki Sharma – Analysis linking the strike to cross-border sponsorship and TRF’s Pakistani ties​YouTube

• Inside Details Of How Pakistan Army Planned Attack & How Modi … – Investigative segment on alleged planning and India’s strategic response​YouTube

• On Cam: Pakistan’s 3rd Desperate Offer In 24 Hours To Avoid India’s … – Coverage of Islamabad’s calls for a “neutral, transparent probe” and New Delhi’s rebuffs​YouTube

• 24 Hours In Kashmir After Pahalgam Terror Attack ft. Sonal | Jist – Ground report documenting local reactions, security lockdowns, and interviews with survivors​YouTube

• Terrorists had Helmet Mounted Cameras, Filmed Entire Sequence – Chilling breakdown of footage reportedly shot by gunmen, revealing their tactics and routes​YouTube

• On Cam: Pakistan’s 3rd Desperate Offer To India In 24 … – Alternate upload of Islamabad’s proposal videos and international diplomatic fallout​YouTube

• Odisha Group Narrates Narrow Escape From Baisaran Meadows – NDTV’s interview with tourists from Odisha who fled under fire, describing the harrowing minutes of the attack​YouTube

• After Pahalgam, We Need Accountability, Not Rhetoric – Opinion piece stressing systemic reforms and community healing in the wake of the massacre​YouTube

Tweets from Major X Handles

• Narendra Modi (@narendramodi):
  “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided …” X (formerly Twitter)

• Narendra Modi (@narendramodi):
  “The horrendous terror attack in Pahalgam has angered people in India and across the world. India is united in uprooting the menace of terrorism. #MannKiBaat” X (formerly Twitter)

• Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi):
  “Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the …” X (formerly Twitter)

• Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti):
  “The Pahalgam tragedy united all Kashmiris in condemning this heinous act & standing in solidarity with the nation.” X (formerly Twitter)

• Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah):
  “It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time …” X (formerly Twitter)