On 22nd April, 2025, the peaceful Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir was terrorized by a chilling terror attack that took the lives of at least 26 people, out of whom the majority were tourists, at Baisaran Meadow. The residents, shopkeepers, and citizens of Pahalgam united to organize a candle procession against the Pahalgam terror attack, reflecting their strength and solidarity. The peaceful demonstration called for justice and an end to violence, proving that the people were resolute to fight terror. Top leaders of the nation, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have decried the Pahalgam terror attack and have vowed to punish the perpetrators.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Tragic Blow
Pahalgam terror attack was conducted around 2:30 PM near Baisaran Meadow, a scenic area 6 km from Pahalgam town, fondly referred to as “Mini Switzerland” because of the thick cover of greenery. 3-4 terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), a breakaway faction of Lashkar-e-Taiba, who had emerged from dense jungles, opened fire on pony-riding tourists and picnickers. The attack took the lives of 26 individuals, some of them tourists from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha, and two foreign nationals of the UAE and Nepal, and also injured a few others. The survivors have stated that the attackers targeted only people and that one of the survivors, Karnataka’s Pallavi, explained how the attackers killed her husband in front of her and how she was ordered to “report to Modi” the attack.
The Pahalgam terror attack, the most lethal Jammu and Kashmir has experienced since the Pulwama attack in 2019, jolted the state’s tourism sector, which is one of Pahalgam’s backbone economic supports. Tour operators and tourist centers registered cancellations as the flashflooding-caused shutdown of the Jammu-Srinagar highway stranded thousands of tourists. The fact that the attack had occurred at a time of the tourist season served to give it greater publicity, as tourists asked themselves if they could still safely visit Pahalgam.
Candlelight March: A Symbol of Unity
After the Pahalgam terror attack, the people of Pahalgam, businessmen, and others marched on the streets for a candle march on April 22, 2025. Organized in the Pahalgam main market and followed in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Akhnoor’s Khod village, the protest comprised hundreds of people holding candles to condole the death of the victims.
The march was a show of determination and pain of society, citizens chanting slogans like “tourists are our life” and “stop the violence”. Mecca Market Srinagar General Secretary Fayaz Ahmad Bhatt addressed ANI, “We condemn this attack against humanity.” Pahalgam Taxi Association President Gulzar Ahmad Wani talked about the impact on locals’ lifestyle, as he continued, “It’s not only tourists; families of ours have been targeted.”. Tourism is Pahalgam’s lifeblood. It was a candlelight march of solidarity, locals shoulder-to-shoulder demanding justice for the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam and demanding peace be restored by authorities. Coordinated protests in Sopore, Ganderbal, and Bandipora, led by locals with the assistance of the Indian Army Chinar Corps, reflected Kashmir’s response as anti-terror.
National Condemnation and Leadership Response
The Pahalgam terror attack had elicited strong condemnation from Indian leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the cut short of his Saudi visit, had described the attack as “heinous” and asserted, “Those responsible for it will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terror has not weakened.” Modi had National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hold a meeting at short notice as soon as he had returned to Delhi on April 23, 2025.
Home Minister Amit Shah, who had visited Srinagar to evaluate security, promised “the harshest consequences” for the culprits. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah labeled the Pahalgam terror strike “an abomination” its record breaking dimensions against the civilian population. Political leaders like Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Mamata Banerjee gathered to denounce the attack in outrage, with Gandhi labeling it as “heart-wrenching” and a “blot on humanity.”
World leaders also conveyed solidarity messages. US President Donald Trump phoned Modi to convey condolences and stated, “The United States stands with India in the fight against terrorism.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other leaders sent a condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed the world’s solidarity with India’s war against terrorism.
Security Measures and Investigation
Following the Pahalgam terror strike, Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF sealed off Baisaran Meadow, initiating a wide-scale search operation to determine the attackers, said to have escaped to the surrounding hills. National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided their hideout in Srinagar to investigate the attack and seized the black Pulsar motorcycle operated by the terrorists, reflecting rigorous reconnaissance. Helicopters and ponies were also employed for evacuation of the injured, and 12 tourists were evacuated to hospital in stable Pahalgam. Security was also tightened throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with Mumbai Police and Delhi Police nakabandi checks carried out and enhanced vigil at tourist spots. Air India and IndiGo also operated additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to help stranded tourists, and helplines (0194-2457543, 9596777669) were also activated to help.
Impact on Tourism in Pahalgam
The Pahalgam terror strike has brought an aura of darkness over the tourism industry of the state that had received millions of tourists in 2024. As a trekking spot, pilgrims’ home for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and for nature enthusiasts, Pahalgam is witnessing economic hardship due to the downturn in bookings.
The investors in the area are concerned about a prolonged slowdown that is causing hotels to struggle with advance cancellations and travel agents handling cancellations up to June. That the attack was on the day US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India fueled suspicion of an external motive, though investigations are being conducted. The community in Pahalgam remains upbeat, despite the disruption. The candlelight march underscored their reliance on tourism and their commitment to rebuilding trust. “Pahalgam has always been peaceful. We’ll ensure it stays that way,” a local vendor told PTI, reflecting the valley’s resilience.
The Road to Recovery
The Pahalgam terror attack tried the mettle of the region, but the candlelight march and mass protest signal a new dawn.
The government is also assuring justice, with the NIA and security agencies going ahead to arrest the attackers. The government is also taking action on the tourism issues, seeking security arrangements and compensation to the victim families. A writ petition in the Supreme Court is seeking increased security for tourists for remote destinations, and particularly for Amarnath Yatra, and in the long run. The residents of Pahalgam desire peace and request tourists not to drift away from the valley. Locally sponsored cleanliness campaigns and tourism hospitality initiatives are tried at restoring the image of Pahalgam as a safe destination. The quick government response along with international response has the promise of revival.
Pahalgam’s Indomitable Spirit
The Pahalgam terror attack was a calamitous turn of events for the luck of a valley that has the reputation of being as lovely and hospitable as can be imagined, but the people’s candlelight march, organized by shopkeepers and citizens, was sufficient to show that the essence of Pahalgam cannot be obliterated.
Their shout of justice and peace, led by influential leaders like PM Modi and others, is a showcase of a consolidated stand against terror. With issues having been raised and security having been organized, the people of Pahalgam are now ready to transform their village once again into what it used to be as a tourist paradise. The Pahalgam terror attack, while it brought anguish, will have hope and healing and the fortitude and toughness of the valley in 2025.
