The terrorist assault that took place at Pahalgam within Jammu and Kashmir region has caused intense national trauma. During April 22nd 2025 militant forces began shooting at visitors in Baisaran Valley Pahalgam which caused the deaths of 28 people and left an additional 20 people wounded. The Resistance Front (TRF) which acts as an arm of Lashkar-e-Taiba declared that this criminal act targeted opposition against suspected demographic modifications within the region.
Understanding the Attack
Seven attackers came to the location armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s during the attack. They launched a mass attack on civilians which positioned this event as the bloodiest incident in the area following the Jammu and Kashmir special status cancellation in 2019.
Immediate National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condemnation of the attack as India strengthened its commitment to fighting terrorism. The Indian government initiated various countermeasures as a response to the terrorist attack.
1. The government suspended all terms of the Indus Waters Treaty established with Pakistan.
2. Closed the Attari–Wagah border.
3. The Indian government terminated SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme permissions for attendance.
4. The government expelled Pakistani military advisers alongside cutting down the diplomatic presence in Islamabad.
International Condemnation
The global community reacted swiftely
President Donald Trump of the United States conveyed his support to India following the events.
During their meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed their opposition to the attack.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Singapore officially criticized the violent attacks.
Impact on the Region
The attack has had immediate repercussions:
- A significant drop in tourism, with many visitors leaving the region.
- Increased security measures and a region-wide shutdown in mourning and protest.
- Disruption to the local economy, heavily reliant on tourism.
What is Indus water treaty
India and Pakistan established the water-sharing Indus Waters Treaty through World Bank mediation when they signed it in 1960. Under this treaty both India and Pakistan establish the system for splitting water resources from the Indus River among their nations.
According to the treaty:
The three eastern river of India: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — were allocated to India.
the three western river of India: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were allocated to Pakistan, but India has the right to non-consumptive uses like hydropower generation, navigation, and irrigation.
