A brutal militant attack in Pahalgam has left 26 dead, crippled Kashmir’s vital tourism industry, and dangerously escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
At a Glance
- Militants killed 26, mostly Hindu tourists, in Pahalgam
- India closed 48 of 87 tourist resorts amid security fears
- India suspended Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats
- Pakistan closed airspace to Indian airlines, warned of retaliation
- Tourism cancellations surged, threatening Kashmir’s economy
Massacre in Pahalgam
On April 22, 2025, armed men disguised in camouflage ambushed Indian tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, most of them Hindu men. Witnesses told reporters that the attackers asked victims to identify their religion before opening fire. A Muslim pony operator was also killed while attempting to protect the tourists. The Resistance Front, initially claiming responsibility, later withdrew the statement. Indian authorities have since linked the group to Lashkar-e-Taiba, further inflaming the diplomatic crisis. The full account is detailed in BBC News and Reuters.
Tourism Collapse and Economic Fallout
In the aftermath of the attack, Indian officials ordered the closure of 48 out of 87 government-approved resorts across Kashmir as a security precaution. These shutdowns have triggered mass tourist cancellations, severely disrupting a sector that brought in 3.5 million visitors in 2024. According to Euronews, the economic impact is already being felt by local businesses and tour operators, many of whom rely almost entirely on seasonal tourism income.
Diplomatic Crisis and Military Escalation
India promptly responded to the attack with sweeping diplomatic and military measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, expelled several Pakistani diplomats, and ordered retaliatory cross-border artillery strikes. In turn, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and issued strong warnings. Although Pakistan denied involvement in the attack, Indian intelligence pointed to support from groups operating across the border. Coverage from AP News outlines these developments and the increased activity along the Line of Control.
Global Reactions and Security Measures
World leaders quickly responded with messages of solidarity and concern. Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “vile terrorist attack.” Russia and Canada also issued official condolences. India has since launched a full-scale investigation and stepped up troop deployments across key border sectors.
Videos such as this one from Euronews illustrate the high security and rising anxiety in the region, while local reports describe sweeping arrests and curfews.
A Precarious Path Forward
Kashmir’s fragile peace is now under renewed threat as both regional conflict and domestic instability escalate. Despite global appeals for calm, tensions remain high and economic uncertainty looms large. The once-booming tourism economy faces collapse unless swift diplomatic and security resolutions are achieved. For now, the fate of Kashmir—and its people—hangs in the balance.
