How the Pahalgam Attack Unfolded: A Detailed Breakdown
The serenity of Pahalgam, one of Kashmir's most beloved towns, was violently shattered on May 3, 2025. The attack that unfolded there was not a random act of violence — it was a well-planned, well-executed terror operation targeting both Indian security forces and civilians. Understanding the Pahalgam assault in detail helps illuminate the scale of the threat and the courage of those who confronted it.
In this blog, we provide a step-by-step breakdown of how the events unfolded, who the perpetrators were, and what India is doing in response.
1. The Planning Stage: Weeks Before the Attack
Intelligence reports now suggest the attackers had infiltrated Kashmir 15–20 days before May 3rd. Coming from across the Line of Control (LoC), the six-member terror group entered through the Kupwara sector and then moved south toward Pahalgam via Pulwama and Anantnag.
They received help from local overground workers (OGWs) — sympathizers who provided food, shelter, SIM cards, and surveillance details. Maps recovered later indicated the attackers had scouted the Pahalgam convoy route and key civilian locations in advance.
2. Arrival in Pahalgam: Final Preparations
On May 2, the group was split into three pairs and housed in abandoned homes and forested areas surrounding Pahalgam. According to initial interrogations of arrested OGWs, the plan was to hit both military targets and civilian centers simultaneously to maximize damage and media attention.
Their weapons included:
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AK-47 assault rifles
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Chinese-made hand grenades
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IEDs with remote detonators
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Suicide vests
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Tactical headsets for communication
3. May 3, 2025 – The Day of the Attack
08:30 AM – Normalcy in the Valley
Local businesses had opened. Tourists were strolling the streets. A routine military convoy with 12 vehicles left from Anantnag, passing through Pahalgam en route to Chandanwari.
09:40 AM – The Ambush
As the convoy reached Lidder Bridge, two militants opened fire from a vantage point. Within seconds, the lead vehicle was hit, halting the convoy. Explosives detonated underneath a culvert, injuring several soldiers instantly.
09:45 AM – Simultaneous Civilian Attacks
A second group of militants targeted the main market area. They hurled grenades and began firing at a tourist bus and a cluster of shops.
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Three tourists were killed.
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Two local shopkeepers died on the spot.
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Dozens were injured, including children.
10:00 AM – Hostage Situation Begins
The third group of attackers stormed Hotel Alpine Meadows, known to house security personnel. They took five hostages, including one Army officer’s family.
10:30 AM – Security Forces Mobilize
Indian Army’s Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and J&K police reached the scene. A cordon was established within 30 minutes, followed by aerial reconnaissance using drones.
11:00 AM – Gunbattle Intensifies
A prolonged exchange of fire began. The hotel was surrounded, and snipers took position. One terrorist detonated a suicide vest, collapsing a section of the building.
4. Neutralizing the Threat
Between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, four of the six terrorists were killed.
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One was shot dead in the market.
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Two were killed in the hotel after a 90-minute standoff.
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The fourth was neutralized during an attempt to flee via the riverside trail.
The remaining two attackers escaped into the dense forests of the Aru Valley. A manhunt is ongoing, with helicopters and thermal imaging equipment deployed to track them.
5. Human and Strategic Losses
The toll was heavy:
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14 Indian Army soldiers martyred
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5 J&K police officers killed
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6 civilians lost their lives
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Over 30 injured, including many critically
The Amarnath Yatra route, for which Pahalgam serves as a starting point, has been temporarily suspended due to security concerns.
6. Government and Army Response
The Indian government responded with swift condemnation and action:
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Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured and reviewed security with army commanders.
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A compensation package of ₹1 crore was announced for the families of martyred personnel.
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The Indian Army launched Operation Rakshak-II, a follow-up to its earlier anti-militancy campaign, to sweep South Kashmir of any remaining threats.
7. What's Next?
The focus now lies on:
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Intelligence upgrades, including AI-assisted threat prediction.
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Increasing troop presence in and around pilgrimage routes.
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Community engagement programs to cut support for militant groups.
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Bringing the remaining terrorists to justice.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack was a tactical, multi-target assault carried out with surgical precision and deadly intent. It has left a deep wound in the heart of Kashmir and a stronger resolve across India. While lives were lost, the bravery of Indian forces and the resilience of the local people have once again proven that terrorism may wound, but it cannot destroy the spirit of this nation.
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