Home Delhi NCR News We Were Just Tourists, Why Us?” — The Day Pahalgam Turned Into a Valley of Grief

We Were Just Tourists, Why Us?” — The Day Pahalgam Turned Into a Valley of Grief

What Was Meant to Be a Holiday Became a Massacre

“Pahalgam was always where the mountains whispered peace. On that day, those whispers turned to gunfire.”

On the morning of April 22, 2025, the picturesque valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir woke up to sunshine, blooming hills, and the buzz of families enjoying a peaceful vacation. But by approximately 2:30 PM IST, the serenity shattered.

A group of armed terrorists ambushed a convoy of tourist vehicles in the Aru Valley area of Pahalgam, unleashing one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Kashmir in recent history. According to a report by The Hindu, the attack left at least 28 people dead and dozens injured. [Source: The Hindu, April 22, 2025]

Most of the victims were Indian tourists from various states—young couples, families with children, and solo travelers who had come to experience the valley’s natural charm.

Among the deceased were honeymooners, college students on break, and even elderly tourists seeking a tranquil retreat in the mountains. The scenic destination that once symbolized hope for peace through tourism was now clouded with horror.

“We were only there to take in the views. How did it end like this?” — A grieving brother, outside Anantnag Hospital [NDTV Report, April 22, 2025]

This attack was not just another headline. It was a brutal reminder of the region’s fragility and how the conflict continues to claim innocent lives—often without warning.

The victims weren’t combatants. They weren’t part of any political movement. They were ordinary people who had simply come to unwind.

And in the chaos that followed, India watched in disbelief. A new layer of fear descended upon Kashmir, and the country mourned another mass killing.

“The gunshots echoed through the valley like thunder. What was once a postcard turned into a war zone.” — A survivor from Uttar Pradesh [Indian Express, April 22, 2025]

In this series, we explore what exactly happened in Pahalgam, through the voices of survivors, the lens of security experts, and the broken hearts of families who sent their loved ones on vacation—only to receive them back in coffins.

They Came Out of Nowhere” — Eyewitness Accounts from the Scene

The chaos began in an instant. Just as tourists were parking near the Aru Valley viewpoint, gunfire erupted without warning.

“We were just clicking photos when the air split with gunshots. My husband pulled me behind a rock. I looked up, and he was already bleeding.” — Rukhsar Ahmed, survivor, speaking from Anantnag District Hospital [PTI Interview, April 22, 2025]

Eyewitnesses describe how the attackers, estimated to be a group of five or six armed men, emerged from the tree line dressed in civilian clothes. They were calm, methodical, and merciless.

“They pulled us out one by one. Checked our phones. Asked where we were from. When someone said ‘Delhi,’ they opened fire.” — An anonymous survivor from Gujarat [Times Now, April 22, 2025]

Survivors recall the attackers communicating in a mix of Kashmiri and Urdu. Some tried to flee toward the forest, only to be chased down. At least three people were killed while trying to hide among the pine trees.

One chilling detail stood out in many accounts:

“One of them looked straight into my eyes and said, ‘Tell Modi what we did today. You come here as tourists? Go back. This is not your land.’” — Survivor, name withheld for safety

Vehicles were shot at from both sides of the road. In one SUV, all five passengers were found dead, still buckled in their seats. Several vehicles bore bullet holes clustered around windows—evidence of close-range execution-style shootings.

Locals who rushed to help after hearing the gunfire were also threatened by the attackers.

“We heard screaming and ran with stretchers. But they pointed guns at us and said, ‘Leave them. Or you die too.’” — Ghulam Nabi, local resident [Indian Express, April 22, 2025]

Dozens of tourists played dead to survive. It took nearly 40 minutes before security forces arrived, by which time the attackers had vanished into the surrounding forest.

A Hero Remembered — Lieutenant Vinay Narwal’s Last Act of Courage

In the midst of the tragedy, one name has stood out—Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a young Indian Navy officer whose bravery has become a beacon of light in this dark chapter.

Vinay, just 26 years old, had only recently married. He and his wife were on a short honeymoon in Pahalgam, having chosen the serene valley to escape the fast pace of life and celebrate the start of a new chapter.

Eyewitnesses report that when the gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, Vinay instinctively shielded his wife and pushed others to the ground. He was shot multiple times in the back while covering her.

“He didn’t think twice. He used his own body to protect us,” said one survivor who had shared the same van. “He saved lives with his sacrifice.” [Indian Express, April 23, 2025]

His wife, critically injured, is currently under treatment in Srinagar. But doctors say it was her husband’s actions that gave her a chance to live.

Back in Karnal, Haryana, Vinay’s hometown, the mood is one of shock and mourning. Flags have been flown at half-mast. Neighbors recall him as humble, kind, and deeply committed to the service.

“He had always wanted to serve his country,” said a retired teacher from his school. “But we never thought he’d give his life while on holiday.”

The Indian Navy has expressed deep sorrow at the loss and is supporting the family through this unimaginable time. Tributes have poured in across the country, and social media is filled with messages honoring his courage.

Vinay’s story is not just one of loss—it is a reminder of quiet bravery. In a world torn by violence, some still choose to protect.

Who Carried Out the Attack — The Lashkar-Backed TRF

As the dust settles in Pahalgam, the nation demands answers. Who orchestrated this act of terror? Who turned a valley of beauty into a battleground?

While no terrorist outfit officially claimed responsibility within the first 48 hours, early investigation reports from Jammu & Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies suggest a high probability of the The Resistance Front (TRF) being behind the attack.

TRF is widely believed to be a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terror group with a long history of launching attacks in Kashmir. Intelligence sources told ANI and India Today that voice intercepts and preliminary forensic leads connect the ambush’s style and coordination with known TRF cells operating out of South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts.

“This was not a spontaneous act. The gunmen were trained, calm, and deliberate. Everything suggests a well-planned hit on soft targets.” — Senior intelligence officer, speaking anonymously to India Today

Security analysts point out that TRF has been increasingly active in targeting civilians and off-duty personnel, often relying on surprise ambushes in semi-urban or tourist-heavy zones to generate maximum fear and media coverage.

The likely motive behind the Pahalgam massacre appears twofold:

To disrupt the return of tourism and normalcy in Kashmir, which has seen an uptick post-COVID and amid improving travel advisories.
To destabilize the atmosphere ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which brings thousands of pilgrims and heavy security arrangements every summer.

What raises further concern is that multiple security alerts had already been issued in the week prior. A classified alert shared on April 15, reviewed by The Indian Express, had warned of the possibility of a high-impact civilian strike in South Kashmir.

Yet, despite heightened patrolling and checkpoints, the attackers were able to infiltrate, execute the attack, and escape—pointing to either a significant lapse or an adaptive threat that has learned to exploit gaps in tourist security arrangements.

In the coming weeks, the investigation will focus on:

Tracing the weapons origin, likely smuggled across the Line of Control (LoC)
Checking mobile signal triangulation near Aru Valley at the time of the attack
Detaining local overground workers (OGWs) suspected of offering logistical support

This section closes with a grim reminder: Kashmir’s peace remains fragile. And the evolving strategy of proxy outfits like TRF signals a deeply concerning shift—from targeting security personnel to killing tourists.

India Reacts — National Mourning and Global Condemnation

As news of the tragedy in Pahalgam spread across the country, a collective wave of shock and grief swept through India. Social media was flooded with messages of condolence, candlelight vigils sprang up in cities, and the government declared a national day of mourning on April 22, 2025.

The Prime Minister, addressing the nation late Sunday evening, called the incident “a cowardly and inhuman act.” In a televised address, he stated:

“The blood of our citizens cries for justice. We will hunt down those responsible. This attack will not break the spirit of India.” — PM Narendra Modi, April 23, 2025

Flags were flown at half-mast across government buildings. Schools in multiple states observed a moment of silence. Airports, train stations, and bus terminals observed heightened security. The Home Ministry also ordered an immediate review of tourist security protocols in Jammu & Kashmir.

Senior ministers and local MLAs visited hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag to meet with survivors and families of the victims. Compensation packages were announced, including:

₹15 lakh to the families of the deceased
₹5 lakh for severely injured individuals
Full medical reimbursement for all survivors

Global Response

The attack also sparked widespread international condemnation.

U.S. State Department: “We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent civilians. The United States stands with India in its fight against terrorism.”
UK Foreign Office: “This brutal act of violence against peaceful tourists is deeply disturbing. Our condolences to the families affected.”
UN Secretary-General: Called the incident “a senseless attack on humanity” and urged restraint and peace in the region.

Foreign embassies in New Delhi issued travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Kashmir in the short term.

Tourism associations across India also released statements urging solidarity and long-term support for local Kashmiri communities whose livelihood depends on tourism.

“Kashmiris are victims too,” said the chairperson of the Indian Association of Tour Operators. “We must not let this incident sow division.”

As the nation mourns, questions continue to mount around security lapses, response delays, and the long-term implications for tourism, peace-building, and public trust.

What Happens Now — Security Overhaul & Kashmir’s Fragile Peace

In the immediate aftermath of the April 21st Pahalgam attack, the Union Home Ministry ordered a comprehensive security review across all high-traffic tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir. Within 12 hours, more than 3,000 paramilitary personnel were airlifted into South Kashmir.

Checkpoints were set up on every approach road leading to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg. Surveillance drones and night vision cameras were deployed across sensitive valleys and forest routes. Hotels and guest houses were instructed to report guest details in real-time to local police stations.

“We can’t afford another mistake. From this point forward, every tourist is our collective responsibility.” — J&K Director General of Police, in a press conference on April 22, 2025

Immediate Security Protocol Changes:

All tourist convoys must now travel with armed escorts in sensitive zones
Tour guides and drivers to undergo background checks and safety training
Installation of panic buttons and GPS tracking in tourist vehicles
Expansion of tourist helpline centers and SOS zones in key regions

Digital Surveillance to Play a Larger Role

The government has also approved a statewide deployment of facial recognition cameras and AI-powered predictive behavior systems. These systems are being developed in partnership with private cybersecurity firms and are intended to flag suspicious activity in real-time.

Cyber monitoring of social media channels is also being stepped up, with intelligence agencies watching for chatter or claims of responsibility. Several overground workers (OGWs) have already been detained based on digital footprint analysis.

Tourism on Hold, But Not Abandoned

In the short term, all tourist bookings to Pahalgam and nearby areas have been suspended. The annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin in June, is under review. A final decision is expected after a fresh threat assessment in early May.

Kashmiri tourism stakeholders are reeling.

“We had just begun to rebuild after COVID and earlier shutdowns. This will hit everyone—from hotel owners to pony handlers.” — Bashir Lone, hotelier, Srinagar

Can Peace Survive Another Blow?

The attack has shaken the foundations of the fragile peace process. While there has been relative calm in recent years, this incident reopens questions about the effectiveness of counter-insurgency efforts, deradicalization initiatives, and public trust.

Peace activists in Kashmir warn against knee-jerk reactions that could alienate locals.

“Terrorists want division. Our response must be stronger, yes—but also wiser,” says Parvez Mir, founder of Youth for Peace Kashmir.

A Nation Mourns, But Kashmir Bleeds — The Silent Suffering of Locals After the Attack

While the nation grieves and calls for justice, life in Pahalgam and surrounding villages has taken on a heavy, haunted stillness. For the people who call this land home, the attack was not just a blow to national conscience—but a direct strike at their livelihoods, their image, and their fragile sense of hope.

“We have always welcomed tourists with open arms. This was our bread and pride. Now the world sees us again as a place of fear,” says Ghulam Nabi, a houseboat owner whose bookings have dropped to zero overnight.

The economic fallout has been swift. Cancellations flooded in within hours. Tour operators reported nearly 70% loss in advance summer bookings. Small shop owners, pony wallahs, hotel staff, and artisans who depend on the tourism season now face sudden joblessness.

Widespread Fear Among Locals

But beyond economics lies an even deeper wound—fear.

“Will tourists ever trust us again? Will security forces treat us as suspects? We are stuck in between again,” said Ruqaya, a teacher in Anantnag.

Many Kashmiris fear being stereotyped or misunderstood. They mourn for the victims, yet fear collective blame. Social media has become a battleground of suspicion, and some residents report being harassed or questioned outside their regions.

“Terrorists killed those people. Not us. Don’t let the hate touch every Kashmiri heart,” read a placard held by a group of students at a candlelight vigil in Srinagar.

Mental Health Crisis Brewing

Local doctors and NGOs have reported a sharp increase in anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and panic attacks—especially among children who witnessed the violence or heard the gunshots echoing from the hills.

“We’re seeing trauma we haven’t seen in years,” says Dr. Sameer Bhat, a psychologist at a private clinic in Pulwama. “Even young kids are drawing pictures of guns and crying in their sleep.”

Calls for Compassionate Governance

Several civil society groups have urged the government to provide not just economic relief, but psychological support, narrative correction, and local-level engagement to prevent further alienation.

“Security is important, yes. But we must also invest in healing,” says Shabnam Dar, head of the NGO Kashmiri Women for Change.

As India prepares to respond to the attack militarily and diplomatically, the situation in the valley remains fragile. The people of Kashmir—already grappling with a long history of conflict—now find themselves once again caught between geopolitics, guns, and grief.

The world saw tourists fall. But Kashmir bled, too.

The Global Ramifications — What This Means for Kashmir, India, and the International Stage

Terrorism in Kashmir is no longer just a regional issue—it’s a global concern. The Pahalgam attack has once again placed India’s counterterrorism narrative at the center of international discourse.

Foreign ministries across continents swiftly issued statements of solidarity, but behind closed doors, the incident triggered discussions about the volatility of South Asia, particularly ahead of India’s upcoming elections and Kashmir’s fragile peace process.

“India’s stability is pivotal for regional security. Attacks like these cannot be treated in isolation,” noted a foreign affairs analyst in The Guardian’s post-attack op-ed.

Impact on Tourism Diplomacy

The tourism rebound post-COVID had become a key narrative in India’s soft diplomacy strategy. Images of snowfall in Gulmarg and shikara rides in Dal Lake were shared globally to show a peaceful, healing Kashmir. The attack, however, shattered that image overnight.

Several countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK, updated their travel advisories, warning citizens about non-essential travel to Jammu & Kashmir. This will likely deal another blow to the state’s economy.

Reinforcement of Global Terror Links

With TRF being a suspected proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the incident has renewed calls to list such outfits under international terrorism sanctions. India is expected to push at forums like the UN Security Council and FATF for stronger action.

Cybersecurity partnerships are also being reactivated. Indian intelligence agencies have begun sharing threat data with friendly nations to track recruitment pipelines and digital propaganda networks.

Media Narratives Abroad

Global media coverage has mostly aligned with India’s stance but with caution. Outlets like BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera emphasized the need for accountability while also raising questions about preventive security measures and long-term policy shifts.

What emerges is a sobering reality: every act of terror in Kashmir now has consequences that ripple far beyond the Himalayas.

The Global Ramifications — What This Means for Kashmir, India, and the International Stage

“India’s stability is pivotal for regional security. Attacks like these cannot be treated in isolation,” noted a foreign affairs analyst in The Guardian’s post-attack op-ed.

Impact on Tourism Diplomacy

Reinforcement of Global Terror Links

Media Narratives Abroad

What emerges is a sobering reality: every act of terror in Kashmir now has consequences that ripple far beyond the Himalayas.

What the Pahalgam Massacre Tells Us About Peace & Fragility

The April 22nd Pahalgam massacre wasn’t just a terror attack. It was a brutal reminder that beneath the scenic beauty and moments of calm, Kashmir still walks a razor’s edge.

It exposed vulnerabilities in security, tested the resilience of civilians, and reignited fears about the future—not just for Kashmiris, but for every Indian who dares to believe in peace.

Yet, amidst this tragedy, there were glimmers of strength: survivors shielding others, local Kashmiris rushing victims to hospitals, students marching for peace. In the darkest hour, humanity flickered.