New Delhi: India on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, paying tribute to the 26 people who lost their lives in the incident and reaffirming the nation’s resolve against terrorism.
On April 22, 2025, gunmen from The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had opened fire in Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and one local pony operator. The attackers had reportedly targeted non-Muslims who could not recite the Kalma. Around 20 others were injured in the incident.
The National Investigation Agency later traced the alleged mastermind to Pakistan, though Islamabad has denied any involvement. Following the attack, security measures in the region were intensified, and Kashmir witnessed vigils by locals calling for peace alongside the gradual return of tourists.
On the first anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the victims and said the innocent lives lost in the attack would never be forgotten. In a post on X, he expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and said the nation stands united in grief and resolve.
Modi reiterated that India will never bow to terrorism and that such designs will never succeed.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also paid tribute to the victims, stating that India stands firm in its resolve to counter terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the attack as horrific and said the grief of losing innocent lives continues to be felt across the country. He reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and those who support it, adding that the nation must remain united in the fight against it.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too paid homage to those killed in what he termed a cowardly attack in Jammu and Kashmir. India continues to share the pain of the victims’ families and would never forget the wounds inflicted on the nation, he said in a post on X.
Singh also noted that India’s response to cross-border terrorism has become firm, decisive, and unwavering, stating that any attempt to harm the country or disrupt unity would be met with strength and clarity.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, remembering the victims as “brave heroes” and expressing solidarity with their families.
In a post on X, he said the nation would never forget their sacrifice or forgive those responsible, adding that India remains united against terrorism and violence and will continue to stand against forces spreading hatred and fear.
In a separate statement, the European Union and its 27 member states expressed solidarity with India on the commemoration day. They said they stand with the people of India in remembrance of the innocent victims, honour their memory along with their families and Indian authorities, and reiterated their outright condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, stating that it can never be justified.
Across the country, tributes were paid to the victims as leaders and citizens reaffirmed their commitment to unity and the fight against terrorism.
