On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of at least 26 tourists and injuring 17 others. Among the victims was 58-year-old Sushil Nathaniel, a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) regional manager from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He was on vacation with his wife, Jennifer, a government school teacher, and their 34-year-old daughter, Akanksha.
According to family accounts, the assailants confronted the family and demanded that Sushil recite an Islamic prayer. Upon revealing that he was a Christian, he was tragically shot dead in front of his family. His daughter, Akanksha, sustained a gunshot wound to her leg, and Jennifer was injured while attempting to escape the attack. Both mother and daughter are currently receiving medical treatment in Kashmir.
The attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a scenic area near Pahalgam accessible only by foot or pony. Gunmen emerged from a forested area and opened fire indiscriminately on tourists. The militant group “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility, citing opposition to demographic changes in the region following India’s revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and convene emergency security meetings. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site, met with survivors, and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Security forces have detained approximately 100 suspects for questioning, and a massive manhunt is underway.
The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances. U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting India at the time, also condemned the violence and expressed condolences.
This attack has disrupted the region’s tourism industry, which had been experiencing growth following the revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status in 2019. Heightened security measures have been implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, with increased patrols and checkpoints.
