Pahalgam terror attack: One year since the tragedy that shook the nation

NEW DELHI: Today marks one year since the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. On April 22, 2025, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, backed by Pakistan, carried out a massacre in the Baisaran Valley. The attack took place between 1:00 PM and 2:45 PM.

The image of Himanshi Narwal sitting motionless beside her husband, Navy officer Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the attack, remains a heart-wrenching memory for the country. In response to this atrocity, India delivered a powerful blow to Pakistan through 'Operation Sindoor,' conducted from May 7 to May 10, 2025.

During this operation, India destroyed terror training centres and military bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Several top terrorists were neutralised, and Pakistan's attempts to counter-attack were defeated before a ceasefire eventually came into effect. Later, on July 18, the specific Lashkar terrorists responsible for the massacre-Faisal Jatt (alias Sulaiman), Sibran, and Hamza Afghani- were killed in 'Operation Mahadev'.

As the first anniversary is observed, security has been tightened across Pahalgam and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Baisaran valley tragedy

• Three Lashkar terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran Valley.
• 26 dead, 20 injured.
• The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
• India retaliated against Pakistan via Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025).