Fatal attack in Kashmir: 1,500 arrests and terror warning!

Fatal attack in Kashmir: 1,500 arrests and terror warning!

On April 23, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in the Indian -controlled part of Kashmir, in which at least 26 people were killed. Among the victims were 24 Indian tourists, a visitor from Nepal and a local travel guide. The attack, which took place about five kilometers from the popular holiday destination Pahalgam, was committed by at least four armed men who fired up close to the group. At least 17 other people were seriously injured and the incident is considered one of the most severe attacks in recent years. India's Interior Minister Amit Shah described the incident as a terrorist act, while the Indian government announced a "loud and clear answer" on the attack. This reports vienna.at.

In the course of these events, security forces in the region have taken measures and initiated investigations. Around 1,500 people were arrested to check possible connections to the perpetrators. Many of those arrested had previously shown militant behavior. Security measures in all of cashmere have been reinforced and additional control points have been set up to ensure the safety of the population and the tourists. The police also published phantom pictures of three alleged attackers. The group "The Resistance Front" (TRF), a splinter group of the forbidden terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let), has claimed the attack. According to their own statements, the attackers only spared women and targeted tourists, which coincided with reports of eyewitnesses, who reported that the attackers asked Hindus beforehand before opening fire. This information comes from Welt.de.

increased security situation and international reactions

In the days after the attack, the Indian government has further strengthened the military presence in the region. Since 1989, more than half a million soldiers have been stationed in Kashmir to take action against rebel groups who fight for independence or a merger with Pakistan. The conflict in Kashmir, which has existed between India and Pakistan since the division in 1947, is complex and historically stressed. Both countries completely claim the region, which already led to two wars. The abolition of the partial autonomy of the Indian part of Kashmir in 2019 was considered illegal by Pakistan and contributed to an tightening of the tensions. This explains Tagesschau.de.

The international reactions to the attack were overwhelming. Head of state and government representative from different countries, including US President Donald Trump and the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, shared the attack and showed solidarity with India. However, the incident has also led to an immediate decline in tourist demand in the region, which is worried about the Indian government, which has invested in recent years to promote tourism.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the regional head of government Omar Abdullah called for those responsible for accounting. Members of the victims have granted their grief and anger on social media, while media reports reported panic and confusion during the attack. The security situation remains tense, and the future of tourism in the region depends on the stability and security that can be guaranteed there.