Gunmen kill tourists near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir

Gunmen attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, killing 26 people and injuring others. Most victims were domestic tourists, and the assault became the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in years.

Indian authorities attributed the operation to militants linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba network. A group initially claimed responsibility online and later denied involvement. Attribution to organizations and alleged external support requires intelligence and investigative evidence beyond an anonymous message.

Survivors reported that attackers singled out men and asked some about religion. These accounts are important but should not be generalized beyond what witnesses observed. Individual suspects remained entitled to legal process, and nationality or residence is not proof of participation.

India blamed Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism; Pakistan denied involvement and called for investigation. The attack led to diplomatic measures and later military strikes. Those state actions are separate Facts and their legality cannot be inferred solely from outrage over civilian killing.

The Kashmir attack entry concerns the Pahalgam attack, confirmed victims and attributed investigation. It avoids collective blame against Kashmiris, Muslims or Pakistanis. The deliberate targeting of tourists is established as violence against civilians, while command and sponsorship claims remain tied to disclosed evidence and later proceedings.