The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Dark Day in Jammu Kashmir History
On April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland,” turned into a nightmare as terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 28 civilians and injuring 20 others. This attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, targeted innocent visitors enjoying Kashmir’s natural beauty. Among the victims was Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old newlywed from Kanpur, whose story has become a symbol of the human cost of terrorism .
Shubham Dwivedi: A Life Cut Short in Jammu Kashmir Pahalgam
Shubham Dwivedi, a cement businessman from Kanpur, had married his wife Aishnya just 70 days before the attack. The couple, along with nine family members, embarked on a dream vacation to Kashmir, visiting Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and finally Pahalgam. On April 22, Shubham and Aishnya decided to go horseback riding in Baisaran—a decision that would end in tragedy.
Eyewitnesses recounted how terrorists, dressed in military uniforms, approached tourists, demanded they recite the Islamic kalma, and checked for circumcisions to identify non-Muslims. When Shubham failed to recite the verse, he was shot point-blank in the head in front of his wife. Aishnya, paralyzed by fear, could only watch helplessly as her husband collapsed. The terrorists reportedly told her: “Tell your government what we did to your husband” .
A Family Shattered
- Aishnya’s Trauma: The mehndi from their wedding still adorned her hands. She returned home with Shubham’s body, her grief compounded by survivor’s guilt.
- Seema Dwivedi’s Anguish: Shubham’s mother, a homemaker, collapsed upon hearing the news. The family’s Kanpur home, once filled with laughter, now echoes with silence.
- Political Connections: The Dwivedi family has deep political ties in Uttar Pradesh, with relatives in the BJP and close links to Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, who canceled events to coordinate with J&K authorities .
Jammu Kashmir News: The Aftermath of the Pahalgam Attack
National Outrage and Government Response
The attack sparked nationwide condemnation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit, vowing “a loud and clear response” . Key actions included:
- Security Overhaul: The Indian Army deployed ALH Dhruv helicopters and intensified counter-terrorism operations in Srinagar .
- Financial Aid: The J&K government announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families .
- Investigation: The NIA identified suspects linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, including two Kashmiri men who infiltrated from Pakistan in 2018 .
International Reactions
Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, condemned the attack. Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, pledged support: “We cooperate on methods to combat terrorism” . Pakistan, however, denied involvement, calling it a “home-grown” revolt .
Pahalgam Attack Hindi News: The Human Toll Beyond Shubham
Victims from Across India
- Lieutenant Vinay Narwal: A 26-year-old Navy officer, married just a week earlier, was killed alongside his wife .
- Foreign Tourists: Victims included a Nepali national and an UAE resident .
- Maharashtra Families: Five tourists from Buldhana district narrowly escaped death after hotel staff warned them of the attack .
The Economic Blow to Jammu Kashmir
Pahalgam’s tourism industry, recovering from decades of militancy, faces collapse. Taxi driver Gulzar Ahmad Wani lamented: “Tourists are our family. This attack kills our livelihood” . The J&K government has since pledged to fill security “vacuum zones” ahead of the Amarnath Yatra .
Surgical Strikes and Geopolitical Tensions: The Kashmir Context
Historical Background
The attack occurred against the backdrop of India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu Kashmir of its special status. Over 84,000 non-locals have since obtained domicile certificates, fueling resentment among militant groups like The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the attack .
Pakistan’s Role and India’s Retaliation
While Pakistan denied involvement, Indian officials accused its intelligence agencies of backing TRF. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned: “Actors behind the scenes will face consequences”—a nod to potential surgical strikes akin to 2016 .
Conclusion: Jammu Kashmir’s Resilience in the Face of Terror
The Pahalgam attack underscores the fragility of peace in Jammu Kashmir. Yet, stories like Shubham Dwivedi’s also highlight the unyielding spirit of families and communities. As PM Modi asserted: “India’s resolve against terrorism is unshakable.” For Aishnya and thousands of others, justice remains a beacon of hope in Kashmir’s turbulent landscape.
