Pahalgam: India, on April 22, observed a solemn remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, marking one year since the tragedy that killed 26 civilians in J&K. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, honouring those who lost their lives in the incident.
In a message posted on X, PM Modi paid homage to the victims of the April 22, 2025, attack, describing it as a tragedy that continues to deeply weigh on the nation’s conscience.
Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.
As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2026
“Remembering the innocent lives lost in the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families as they continue to endure this loss.”
Reaffirming India’s firm stand against terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “As a nation, we stand united in grief and determination. India will never bow to terrorism in any form, and the evil intentions of those behind such acts will never succeed.”
The Indian Army also reinforced a strong counter-terror stance, issuing a clear warning to those behind such acts. In a post on X, it stressed accountability and retribution. “For acts against India, the response is assured. Justice will be served. Always.”
For acts against #India, the response is assured.
Justice will be served. Always.#SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst pic.twitter.com/w6PRIpp0bM
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 22, 2026
Referencing subsequent military operations linked to the attack, the post added, “Operation Mahadev – it was only a matter of time,” while also reaffirming that “Operation Sindoor continues.”
A day earlier, the Army had further underscored its stance, stating, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united. #SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst.”
Pahalgam Remembers: Memorial Built to Honour 26 Victims
In Pahalgam, the scenic hill destination known for its meadows, a memorial has been constructed to honour the victims of the terror attack. Made of black marble on the banks of the Lidder river, the structure carries the names of all 26 people killed—25 tourists and a local pony handler, Adil Shah. The attack in Baisaran Valley shocked the nation after heavily armed militants targeted civilians in a popular tourist spot.
To mark the commemoration, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have put in place heightened security arrangements, including additional deployment of police and paramilitary forces, intensified checking, and enhanced surveillance across the region.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Response
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The strikes reportedly destroyed nine key terror launchpads linked to groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, with over 100 terrorists said to have been neutralised.
The escalation led to drone activity and cross-border shelling from Pakistan, resulting in a brief four-day conflict between the two countries. A ceasefire was later agreed on May 10 after communication between the Directors General of Military Operations. Senior defence officials later described the operation as a coordinated demonstration of tri-services capability.
Operation Mahadev: Tracking the Perpetrators
A parallel counter-terror operation, Operation Mahadev, was launched to locate those directly involved in the Pahalgam attack. Acting on intelligence inputs received in July 2025, security forces conducted sustained operations across Lidwas, Harwan, and Dachhigam. Over a 93-day search spanning more than 300 kilometres, forces systematically closed in on the suspects.
On July 28, elite PARA (Special Forces) units carried out a high-risk operation in rugged terrain, advancing nearly three kilometres on foot over 10 hours. In the ensuing encounter, all three terrorists linked to the Baisaran attack were neutralised.
