Amit Shah Visits Pahalgam Terror Site, Pays Tribute to Victims as NIA Joins High-Priority Probe
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation at the Baisaran terror site in Pahalgam on April 24 and pledged that the culprits would not be spared. The NIA has officially joined the investigation.
Key Highlights:
Pahalgam Terror Attack: In a strong show of resolve against terrorism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 23, 2025, conducted an on-ground review of the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, where a deadly terror attack claimed multiple lives on Tuesday. Shah arrived at the site via helicopter, accompanied by top security officials, and was briefed on the ground situation and ongoing combing operations.
The attack, which targeted a group of tourists in one of Kashmir’s most scenic locales, is being described as one of the most serious assaults on civilians in the Valley since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.
Amit Shah Walks Through the Site, Pays Last Respects
Before visiting the site, Amit Shah paid tributes to the victims at a solemn ceremony held outside the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar. Interacting with the families of the deceased, Shah offered condolences and reaffirmed the Centre’s determination to crush terrorism.
“With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly act will not be spared.”
Pahalgam Terror Attack: NIA Joins Investigation, TRF Under Scanner
As part of the Centre’s swift response, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team reached Baisaran on Wednesday to support the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the probe. The team, led by a DIG-rank officer, began collecting forensic evidence and conducting a detailed site assessment.
Official sources revealed that the terror group Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—has claimed responsibility for the assault. The NIA’s presence indicates the gravity of the attack and its potential links to cross-border terrorism.
“The NIA team will assist in evidence gathering and help build a clear trail to those responsible, domestically or otherwise.”
Widespread Condemnation and Security Alert in the Valley
The incident has triggered nationwide outrage. Security forces have intensified cordon-and-search operations across Anantnag and surrounding districts, including Baisaran hills and forested patches. Drone surveillance, sniffer units, and anti-terror squads have been deployed.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with central agencies, is also exploring leads related to sleeper cells and possible support from local sympathizers.
Tuesday’s attack has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry as well. Travel advisories are being updated, and additional security has been deployed at popular locations.
What This Means for You
- For Residents of Kashmir: Expect continued high-alert status, increased checks, and restricted movement in key zones.
- For Tourists: Follow all travel advisories. Exercise caution and stay updated through official channels.
- For Law Enforcement: Enhanced coordination between NIA, J&K Police, and Army will be vital in countering further threats.
How to Take Action
- Report any suspicious activity in and around the region to the nearest police control room or helpline.
- If you are a tour operator or local business, cooperate with the ongoing investigation and new guidelines.
- Spread accurate information and discourage unverified content online, especially on social platforms.
Who Will Be Affected
- Victim families and injured tourists, especially those from Maharashtra, are at the centre of grief and support efforts.
- Security agencies, dealing with the most serious post-370 terror event in the region.
- The tourism sector in Kashmir, which may see temporary disruption due to safety concerns and travel hesitancy.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Turning Point in Counter-Terror Strategy?
The brutal Pahalgam terror attack has drawn sharp focus on the evolving threat landscape in Kashmir, where soft targets like tourists are now being prioritized by terror groups to instill fear and disrupt peace.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s prompt visit, emotional tribute, and direct involvement have sent a clear message — India will not tolerate any form of terrorism, and its response will be swift, visible, and resolute.
As the NIA intensifies its probe, the government’s actions over the coming weeks will shape both domestic confidence and international diplomatic reactions toward Kashmir’s fragile security equilibrium.
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