Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir – June 10, 2025
A deadly terrorist attack struck the serene tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today, leaving at least 12 dead and over 20 injured. The attack, which occurred near a popular trekking route, has sent shockwaves across the region, raising concerns over security ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir – June 10, 2025
A brazen terrorist attack in the picturesque Himalayan town of Pahalgam has left at least 12 dead and 20+ injured, marking one of the deadliest strikes in Jammu & Kashmir in recent years. The assault, which targeted tourists and security forces, has triggered a massive military crackdown ahead of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Attack Timeline & Key Details
1. The Assault (6:15 AM – 7:30 AM)
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Location: Near Betaab Valley, a popular tourist spot close to the Amarnath Yatra base camp.
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Militant Movement: 3-4 heavily armed terrorists (wearing Army-style uniforms) ambushed a CRPF patrol and opened fire on tourists at a nearby café.
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Weapons Used: AK-47s, grenades, and possibly IEDs (reports still unconfirmed).
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First Responders: Local police and 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) engaged in a 45-minute gunfight, forcing militants to retreat into nearby forests.
2. Casualties & Victims
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12 Confirmed Dead:
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6 Tourists (including 2 foreigners – nationalities withheld)
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4 Security Personnel (2 CRPF, 1 J&K Police, 1 Army soldier)
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2 Local Guides working with trekking groups
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20+ Injured: Shifted to ANMT Hospital, Pahalgam and Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital (critical cases airlifted).
3. Terrorist Escape & Manhunt
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Militants Fled toward the Daksum Forest (known infiltration route).
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Search Ops: RR, CRPF, and J&K Police launched Operation Trident with drones and sniffer dogs.
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Suspected Group: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) – Unverified Intel suggests Pakistani handlers.
Government & Security Response
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PM’s Statement: “This cowardly attack will be avenged. Our forces will hunt down the terrorists.”
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High-Level Meeting: NSA, Army Chief, and J&K LG held emergency talks.
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Amarnath Yatra on High Alert: Additional 5,000 troops deployed along pilgrimage routes.
Local & International Reactions
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Tourism Industry Fears: Pahalgam hotels report mass cancellations.
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Global Condemnation: US, UK, and UN issued statements condemning the attack.
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Kashmir Politicians: Calls for “zero tolerance” against terrorism.
Why Pahalgam?
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Strategic Target: Militants aim to disrupt tourism & religious pilgrimages to destabilize J&K.
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Past Attacks: Similar strikes in 2017 (Amarnath Yatra bus attack, 7 killed) and 2022 (Pahalgam hotel siege).
Responsibility and Response
No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, but authorities suspect the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), both of which have been active in the region.
Indian Prime Minister condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terror” and vowed strong retaliation. “Our security forces will not tolerate such acts, and the perpetrators will face justice,” he stated.
Heightened Security Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
The attack comes just weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees. Security has been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir, with additional troops deployed in sensitive areas.
Local Reactions
Residents of Pahalgam expressed fear and anger over the attack, which threatens the region’s tourism-dependent economy. “This is an attack on our livelihood. We want peace,” said a local shopkeeper.
Investigation Underway
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, with forensic teams examining the site. Security forces have launched search operations in nearby forests to track down the attackers.
This marks one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years, raising fresh concerns over militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Updates to follow as more details emerge.
helping number
helpline numbers: Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651; 7006058623; 24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag 9596777669, 01932-225870, WhatsApp: 9419051940; Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Department – 8899931010, 8899941010, 9906663868, 9906906115.
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