Srinagar, April 22, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
In a disturbing incident that has marred the ongoing robust tourist season in Jammu and Kashmir, a terrorist attack in the popular Pahalgam hill station of Anantnag district has left five people injured, including three tourists. The attack, which occurred in the Baisran area of Pahalgam on Tuesday, marks the first instance of terrorists targeting tourists in the Kashmir Valley in 2025.
Official sources confirmed that terrorists opened fire on a group comprising both tourists and local residents in the scenic Baisran area. The injured, comprising three tourists and two locals, were immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment. Security forces swiftly responded to the location and have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
This attack comes at a particularly sensitive time for the region, which is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals.
All hotels in Srinagar city and the prominent tourist resorts of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are reportedly operating at full occupancy. Official projections had anticipated a record number of around two crore tourists visiting the Union Territory this year, highlighting the region’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
Furthermore, the attack coincides with the ongoing registration process for the highly significant annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, aligning with the auspicious Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. This event typically draws a large number of pilgrims from across the country.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region despite recent efforts to bolster counter-terrorism measures. Notably, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting.
In this meeting, he issued firm directives for the complete eradication of terrorism, with a specific focus on the Jammu division, and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration attempts.
The meeting was attended by top security officials, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Army chief, the General Officers Commanding (GoCs) of all corps in J&K, the heads of paramilitary forces, the J&K Director General of Police (DGP), and intelligence officers.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has consistently stressed the need for a holistic approach to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
This includes targeting not only the terrorists themselves but also their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathizers, to achieve a complete and lasting eradication of the scourge of terrorism from the region. The attack in Pahalgam will likely intensify these efforts and further heighten security measures in the lead-up to the Amarnath Yatra.
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