Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – In a chilling escalation of violence, Kashmir has once again been rocked by a brutal terror attack that has claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, including civilians and security personnel. As the nation reels from the horrific incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, to take stock of the situation, conduct high-level meetings, and possibly visit the site of the terror attack.
The attack, which took place in the Kulgam district, is one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, triggering a national outcry and a renewed call for stricter counter-terrorism measures. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the events, official reactions, ground situation, and what comes next.
The Attack: What Happened in Kulgam, Kashmir?
The terror attack occurred late in the evening on April 20, 2025, in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on a convoy carrying local villagers and returning migrant workers near a crowded market area. Preliminary reports indicate the use of automatic rifles and grenades, causing mass casualties in a short span of time.
The death toll has now risen to 26, with over 35 injured, many of them critically. Local authorities confirmed that the casualties included migrant workers, Kashmiri Pandits, and civilians, including women and children. Several security personnel were also injured while responding to the ambush.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:_ Kashmir Terror Attack Updates: Amit Shah Arrives In Srinagar, May Visit Site Of Terror Attack
Amit Shah in Srinagar: High-Level Meetings Underway
Following the attack, Home Minister Amit Shah immediately convened an emergency meeting in New Delhi with top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and National Investigation Agency (NIA). Later, he boarded a special flight to Srinagar, where he was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials.
Shah is expected to visit the attack site in Kulgam, although security arrangements are still being assessed. He will be holding a series of high-level meetings with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Army commanders, and intelligence agencies to formulate a coordinated response.
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “Home Minister Amit Shah is closely monitoring the situation. The perpetrators of this heinous attack will not be spared.”
Who Is Behind the Attack? Early Investigations
While no group has claimed responsibility yet, security agencies suspect the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) or The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Intelligence intercepts point to cross-border handlers having directed the attack in coordination with local sleeper cells.
Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have reached the site and begun collecting forensic evidence. Mobile signal jammers and drone surveillance have been deployed in Kulgam to prevent further attacks and aid in locating the terrorists, who are believed to be hiding in nearby forest areas.
Sources say six terrorists were part of the ambush squad, and a massive manhunt is underway across the region. Security has been heightened along the LoC (Line of Control) and international border.
Ground Situation: Curfew, Shutdowns, and Public Fear
In the aftermath of the attack, the entire Kulgam district has been put under curfew. Internet services have been suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation. Schools and colleges have been closed indefinitely, and public gatherings have been banned under Section 144 of the CrPC.
Fear and panic have gripped the local population. Many migrant workers and Kashmiri Pandit families have reportedly left the region or moved into temporary shelter camps under CRPF protection.
Local administration is ensuring the injured are being treated at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and other hospitals, where emergency services have been put on high alert.
Political Reactions: Condemnations Pour In
Political leaders across the spectrum have strongly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and promised a “strong and decisive response.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, also condemned the attack and questioned the central government’s Kashmir security strategy. Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP and Omar Abdullah of the National Conference blamed the current security apparatus for the intelligence failure and demanded accountability.
International responses have been mixed, with the United States, France, and Germany expressing solidarity with India, while also calling for restraint and diplomacy in dealing with regional tensions.
Amit Shah’s Likely Actions in Kashmir
As per sources in the Home Ministry, Amit Shah’s visit will focus on the following key objectives:
- On-Ground Security Review: Inspecting current deployment of forces and assessing gaps in intelligence that led to the attack.
- Meeting Victims’ Families: He may meet the families of those who lost their lives, as a gesture of solidarity.
- Command Center Setup: Shah may establish a special counter-terror command center for real-time coordination among agencies.
- Revival of Village Defense Committees (VDCs): Discussions are expected around reviving and empowering civil defense volunteers in vulnerable regions.
- Boosting Technology in Surveillance: Emphasis on AI-based monitoring, drone patrols, and facial recognition in crowded areas.
Security Forces Retaliate: Encounters Likely
Following Shah’s arrival, the Indian Army and special operations groups of the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a massive cordon-and-search operation across Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian districts. Drones and sniffer dogs are being used to trace terrorist movement.
A senior officer involved in the operations stated:
“We will neutralize the attackers. The mission is to eliminate the terror infrastructure completely.”
Kashmir’s Fragile Peace at Risk
This attack poses a serious threat to the relative calm that had returned to the Valley over the past year. With the recent success of the G20 summit events in Kashmir and increased tourism, the government had hoped to project normalcy. But this incident could reverse much of that progress.
Locals fear a resurgence of terror activities and tighter restrictions. Many also worry about the possible impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region.
Social Media and Misinformation
Authorities have flagged multiple social media handles—both domestic and foreign—for spreading fake news, morphed images, and hate speech following the attack. The Cyber Crime Cell of J&K Police has launched an investigation and requested users to verify facts before sharing information online.
What’s Next? National Focus on Counter-Terror Strategy
This attack has ignited a renewed debate around India’s counter-terror policy, especially in border regions like Kashmir. With national elections approaching, the government is expected to fast-track several measures:
- Increased border fencing and surveillance using AI and satellite imagery
- Recruitment of more local informants in militancy-prone regions
- Improved coordination between military, intelligence, and state police
- Anti-radicalization programs in colleges and madrassas
Amit Shah’s visit marks a critical turning point in the government’s handling of internal security and Kashmir’s future stability.
Conclusion: A Nation Mourns, But Stands United
As Kashmir mourns its dead, the rest of India stands in solidarity. The brutality of the attack has deeply shaken the nation, but there is also a renewed sense of resolve. The coming days will be crucial as Amit Shah and his team work on strategies to prevent further attacks and bring justice to the victims.
The investigation is ongoing, and security has been tightened across Jammu and Kashmir. All eyes are now on Shah’s visit to the terror site, and what concrete measures follow in its wake.
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