India paused on Wednesday to remember the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorating the first year since the terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
PM Modi pays tribute to Pahalgam attack victims
In a message released on X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to those killed in the April 22, 2025 attack, describing the incident as a tragedy that continues to weigh on the conscience of the nation.
“I remember the innocent lives lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. I also think of the bereaved families as they come to terms with this loss.”
Reiterating India’s stand against terrorism, the Prime Minister added, “As a nation, we are united in grief and determination. India will never stoop to any form of terror. The dastardly designs of terrorists will never succeed.”
Indian Army reiterates strong anti-terror message
The Indian Army confirmed this sentiment with a firm warning aimed at those responsible for acts of terrorism. In a statement released on X, the military emphasized accountability and justice.
“An answer is guaranteed for actions against India. Justice will be served. Always.”
Referring to the subsequent military operations linked to the attack, the post added: “Operation Mahadev – it was only a matter of time,” and reiterated that “Operation Sindoor continues”.
A day earlier, the Army had reinforced its position by saying, “When the lines of humanity are crossed, response is decisive. Justice is served. India is united. #SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst.”
Pahalgam Remembers: Memorial Honors 26 Lives Lost
A memorial has been erected in Pahalgam, a hill resort known for its picturesque meadows, in honor of the victims. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder River, the structure bears the names of all 26 individuals killed – 25 tourists and local pony handler Adil Shah.
A terror attack carried out in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley shocked the nation as heavily armed militants targeted civilians in a popular tourist area.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have deployed extensive security measures for the celebration, deploying additional police and paramilitary forces, conducting heightened checks and maintaining close surveillance across the region.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Response to Terror
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation resulted in the destruction of nine major terrorist launch pads associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen. More than 100 terrorists were reported killed in these attacks.
The escalation led to drone strikes and shelling by Pakistan, sparking a brief but intense four-day conflict between the two countries. A ceasefire was finally reached on 10 May after communications between the Directors General of Military Operations.
Senior military officials later described the operation as a demonstration of coordinated action across the Indian armed forces.
Operation Mahadev: Hunt for the Perpetrators
A parallel counter-terrorism effort, Operation Mahadev, focused on tracking down those directly responsible for the Pahalgam killings.
Acting on intelligence received in July 2025, security forces launched large-scale operations in Lidwas, Harwan and Dachhigam. During the 93-day pursuit covering more than 300 kilometers, the force systematically narrowed the search area.
On July 28, the elite PARA (Special Forces) units carried out a covert operation through difficult terrain, advancing approximately three kilometers on foot in 10 hours. In the ensuing encounter, all three terrorists linked to the Baisaran attack were neutralized.
