In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the tranquil beauty of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered on April 22 when a brutal terror strike claimed the lives of 28 people, including foreign nationals.
What was meant to be a peaceful afternoon in the Baisaran Valley—fondly known as ‘mini-Switzerland’—turned into a bloodbath as gunmen unleashed a barbaric assault on unsuspecting tourists. The incident, attributed to The Resistance Front, marks one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the region since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.
The carnage unfolded at approximately 1:30 p.m., when a group of six heavily armed assailants, dressed in military fatigues, emerged from the dense pine forests encircling the meadow. Targeting a group of nearly 40 tourists who had trekked or ridden ponies to the valley, the attackers opened fire with chilling precision. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and terror as gunshots rang out and people scrambled to escape, many falling under a hail of bullets.
Horrifying testimonies from survivors indicated that the attackers deliberately singled out victims based on their religion. The gunmen reportedly asked the tourists for their names and demanded they recite Islamic verses before executing them at close range. Among those slain was Navy officer Vinay Narwal, recently married on April 16 and stationed in Kochi. Two foreign nationals—one from Nepal and another from the UAE—also lost their lives in the attack that has shocked the nation.
Former Director General of Police, Shesh Paul Vaid, likened the tragedy to a grim déjà vu of past horrors. In a searing reaction, he stated: “Pulwama 2.0 moment.” His words reflected both the emotional gravity and the strategic implications of the incident, underscoring the urgent need for a decisive response. Vaid also stressed that India must rethink its approach to regional security, as terrorism continues to evolve and threaten civilian life.
The violent act has not only gripped the country’s political and security circles, but it has also sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community. Members of the women’s national cricket team took to social media platform “X” (formerly known as twitter) to express their solidarity and heartbreak.
Former India captain Mithali Raj was among the first to react, her words resonating across the nation. She posted: “Cowardly and barbaric. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.” Her message captured the sorrow and revulsion shared by millions.
India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana echoed these sentiments in her post, sending a powerful message of unity. She wrote: “Offering prayers for the victims and their families. We stand united against terrorism.” Her voice added to the growing chorus of grief and resistance against such brutalities.
Veteran cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy voiced her indignation with clarity and conviction. She emphasized: “Violence has no place in our society. Such attacks cannot break our strength and unity. Strongly condemn this horrific act.” Her words served as a rallying cry, underscoring the collective resilience of a nation reeling from loss but determined to stand firm.
As India mourns the victims of this unthinkable atrocity, the need for reflection, resilience, and action becomes all the more urgent. The attack in Pahalgam is not just a moment of grief—it is a stark reminder that the fight against terror must remain relentless and uncompromising.
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