April 23, 2025 • 6 mins
A terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam has left 26 people dead and several others injured, including newlyweds and tourists from across India. In today’s episode of News at 7, Prateek Lidhoo brings you the full account of the incident, intelligence findings, eyewitness accounts, and global reactions. As Kashmir observes its first bandh against terrorism in 35 years, we cover the region’s powerful show of unity and the government’s ongoing response.
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Aman Pal
Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
Sound mix by Aman Pal
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is India Today podcasts. Hello and welcome to News
at seven, your daily news wrap at seven pm. I'm
Prati Klidhu and here are the top stories for today.
As of Wednesday, twenty third April at six thirty three pm,
Security agencies have released a photo as well as sketches
(00:21):
of the suspected terrorists behind the attack in Kashmir's Pehlgam
that left at least twenty six tourists dead and several injured.
The three terrorists have been identified as Asif Fuji, Sulimanshah
and Abu Talha. The attackers, believed to be members of
the Resistance Front and offshoot of the banded terror group Lashkarretaiba,
opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran Meadow in
(00:44):
Belgam in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir
in recent years. At least five to six terrorists clad
in camouflage outfits and kurta pajamas came to the Baisaran
Meadow from the dense pine forests surrounding the valley and
opened fire with AK forty seven's. The group included by
Arkistani terrorists who infiltrated the valley just days before the attack.
(01:04):
Intelligence agencies have identified say Fula Kasuri alias Khalid, a
top LIT commander, as the mastermind of the massacre. Khalid
also heads the LED Peshawar headquarters and has served on
the Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province under half his
size Jamatu Dawa. According to a preliminary forensic analysis and
testimonies of survivors, the terrorists used military grade weapons and
(01:27):
advanced communication devices, indicating external logistical support. The probe also
found that the terrorists wore body cams and helmet mounted
cameras to record the entire sequence of events. Sources said
that the terrorists also did a reki of Pelgram with
the help of locals. Eyewitnesses said that while two terrorists
spoke in Pashto indicating Pakistani origin, two of them were locals.
(01:49):
The precision and planning of the attack also points to
the involvement of trained handlers and not local amateurs. According
to Intel sources, digital footprints of the attackers were traced
to save houses in Muzafarabad and Karachi, strengthening cross border
terror link evidence. Among the victims was a twenty six
year old officer in the Indian Navy hailing from Karnal, Haryana,
(02:12):
who got married just six days prior and was on
his honeymoon. A local businessman from Kanpur was gunned down
in front of his wife, Sania. The couple, married just
two months ago, were on a vacation when the assailants
approached them, reportedly asking for his name before fatally shooting him.
The attack also claimed the lives of two tourists from Karnataka,
(02:33):
two from Kolkata and a local resident of Pelgam. A
foreign national from Nepal was also reportedly among the deceased.
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, the Kashmir Valley observed
a shut down against terror attack for the first time
in thirty five years, as organizations from all walks of
life supported the bunth call to protest the killings in
(02:55):
Pehlgam tourist resort. According to officials, shutters were down across
Srinagara and other district headquarters. Shops, fuel stations and businesses
remained closed. Only essential services stayed operational, while private schools
throughout Jamwuinkushmied shut their doors in solidarity. Kashmi University postponed
all examination scheduled for the day. In contrast, government schools
(03:16):
remained open but solo attendance. The call for the shutdown
received overwhelming support from across the political and civil spectrum.
Mainstream parties including the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, People's
Conference and UPNI Party lent their voices to the bund.
The influential Mutahida Madillius Ulema, led by Houriath chairmen Rivae's
Umar Faruk urged people to peacefully observe the protest as
(03:39):
a mark of respect for the victims and a rejection
of violence. Peaceful demonstrations were held in multiple districts, with
protesters holding placards and candles calling for justice and an
end to the bloodshed. Security has been significantly heightened across
the region. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed at strategic locations,
especially around tourist hubs and city entry points. A massive
(04:01):
search operation is underway in the Baisaran area of Pelgam
to track down the perpetrators. World leaders have swiftly denounced
the Pahlgam attack, with US President Donald Trump calling the
incident quote deeply disturbing, reaffirming America's unwavering support to India
in its fight against terrorism. Vice President J. D. Vans
(04:21):
currently visiting India also expressed solidarity and concern. He spoke
to Pm Modi and strongly condemned the attack, saying that
the US is ready to provide all assistance in the
joint fight against terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the
attack as a quote brutal crime and emphasized the need
to bring those responsible to justice. Leaders from Italy, the
(04:42):
United Kingdom, Israel, France, Germany and Ukraine also condemned the
attack in strong terms, reiterating calls for international cooperation in
fighting terrorism. Pakistan's Defense Minister Quaja Asif denied any connection
between Pakistan and the recent terror attacks. He accused India
of sponsoring unrest within Pakistan one, shifting the focus away
from Pakistan's alleged involvement in the attack. In response to
(05:07):
the terror attack in Tahilam, Home Minister Ahmitshah visited the
attack site at eleven forty six am. Prime Minister Narrangdramori
returned early from his trip to Saudi Arabia to lead
emergency response efforts. Earlier this morning, Defense Minister Rajarat Singh
held a high level meeting with National Security Advisor Aji
Dowal and the Indian Air Force Chief to assess the
security situation. The jaan k government announced Rupe's ten lak
(05:30):
compensation for each victim's family and repeace two lak for
the injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the funeral of
Saya Adil Hussan Shah, the pony ride operator who was
killed in the massacre. He also called for a special
Cabinet meeting to discuss the terror strike. According to officials,
a special relief train is running from Katra to New
Delhi to assist stranded tourists with stops at Udhampur and Jamu. Meanwhile,
(05:53):
the Ramban Highway has reopened for one way traffic. A
Cabinet Committee on Security or CCS meeting will commence soon
I PM Modi at his residence to discuss the next step.
The meeting shall be attended by Home Minister Amitshah, Finance
Minister near Malassi Taraman, Defense Minister Rajarat Singh and External
Affairs Minister s Ja Shanker. These were the top stories
for the day. You were listening to News at seven.
(06:14):
Stay tuned to India Today podcasts
This is India Today podcasts. Hello and welcome to News
at seven, your daily news wrap at seven pm. I'm
Prati Klidhu and here are the top stories for today.
As of Wednesday, twenty third April at six thirty three pm,
Security agencies have released a photo as well as sketches
(00:21):
of the suspected terrorists behind the attack in Kashmir's Pehlgam
that left at least twenty six tourists dead and several injured.
The three terrorists have been identified as Asif Fuji, Sulimanshah
and Abu Talha. The attackers, believed to be members of
the Resistance Front and offshoot of the banded terror group Lashkarretaiba,
opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran Meadow in
(00:44):
Belgam in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir
in recent years. At least five to six terrorists clad
in camouflage outfits and kurta pajamas came to the Baisaran
Meadow from the dense pine forests surrounding the valley and
opened fire with AK forty seven's. The group included by
Arkistani terrorists who infiltrated the valley just days before the attack.
(01:04):
Intelligence agencies have identified say Fula Kasuri alias Khalid, a
top LIT commander, as the mastermind of the massacre. Khalid
also heads the LED Peshawar headquarters and has served on
the Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province under half his
size Jamatu Dawa. According to a preliminary forensic analysis and
testimonies of survivors, the terrorists used military grade weapons and
(01:27):
advanced communication devices, indicating external logistical support. The probe also
found that the terrorists wore body cams and helmet mounted
cameras to record the entire sequence of events. Sources said
that the terrorists also did a reki of Pelgram with
the help of locals. Eyewitnesses said that while two terrorists
spoke in Pashto indicating Pakistani origin, two of them were locals.
(01:49):
The precision and planning of the attack also points to
the involvement of trained handlers and not local amateurs. According
to Intel sources, digital footprints of the attackers were traced
to save houses in Muzafarabad and Karachi, strengthening cross border
terror link evidence. Among the victims was a twenty six
year old officer in the Indian Navy hailing from Karnal, Haryana,
(02:12):
who got married just six days prior and was on
his honeymoon. A local businessman from Kanpur was gunned down
in front of his wife, Sania. The couple, married just
two months ago, were on a vacation when the assailants
approached them, reportedly asking for his name before fatally shooting him.
The attack also claimed the lives of two tourists from Karnataka,
(02:33):
two from Kolkata and a local resident of Pelgam. A
foreign national from Nepal was also reportedly among the deceased.
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, the Kashmir Valley observed
a shut down against terror attack for the first time
in thirty five years, as organizations from all walks of
life supported the bunth call to protest the killings in
(02:55):
Pehlgam tourist resort. According to officials, shutters were down across
Srinagara and other district headquarters. Shops, fuel stations and businesses
remained closed. Only essential services stayed operational, while private schools
throughout Jamwuinkushmied shut their doors in solidarity. Kashmi University postponed
all examination scheduled for the day. In contrast, government schools
(03:16):
remained open but solo attendance. The call for the shutdown
received overwhelming support from across the political and civil spectrum.
Mainstream parties including the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, People's
Conference and UPNI Party lent their voices to the bund.
The influential Mutahida Madillius Ulema, led by Houriath chairmen Rivae's
Umar Faruk urged people to peacefully observe the protest as
(03:39):
a mark of respect for the victims and a rejection
of violence. Peaceful demonstrations were held in multiple districts, with
protesters holding placards and candles calling for justice and an
end to the bloodshed. Security has been significantly heightened across
the region. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed at strategic locations,
especially around tourist hubs and city entry points. A massive
(04:01):
search operation is underway in the Baisaran area of Pelgam
to track down the perpetrators. World leaders have swiftly denounced
the Pahlgam attack, with US President Donald Trump calling the
incident quote deeply disturbing, reaffirming America's unwavering support to India
in its fight against terrorism. Vice President J. D. Vans
(04:21):
currently visiting India also expressed solidarity and concern. He spoke
to Pm Modi and strongly condemned the attack, saying that
the US is ready to provide all assistance in the
joint fight against terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the
attack as a quote brutal crime and emphasized the need
to bring those responsible to justice. Leaders from Italy, the
(04:42):
United Kingdom, Israel, France, Germany and Ukraine also condemned the
attack in strong terms, reiterating calls for international cooperation in
fighting terrorism. Pakistan's Defense Minister Quaja Asif denied any connection
between Pakistan and the recent terror attacks. He accused India
of sponsoring unrest within Pakistan one, shifting the focus away
from Pakistan's alleged involvement in the attack. In response to
(05:07):
the terror attack in Tahilam, Home Minister Ahmitshah visited the
attack site at eleven forty six am. Prime Minister Narrangdramori
returned early from his trip to Saudi Arabia to lead
emergency response efforts. Earlier this morning, Defense Minister Rajarat Singh
held a high level meeting with National Security Advisor Aji
Dowal and the Indian Air Force Chief to assess the
security situation. The jaan k government announced Rupe's ten lak
(05:30):
compensation for each victim's family and repeace two lak for
the injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the funeral of
Saya Adil Hussan Shah, the pony ride operator who was
killed in the massacre. He also called for a special
Cabinet meeting to discuss the terror strike. According to officials,
a special relief train is running from Katra to New
Delhi to assist stranded tourists with stops at Udhampur and Jamu. Meanwhile,
(05:53):
the Ramban Highway has reopened for one way traffic. A
Cabinet Committee on Security or CCS meeting will commence soon
I PM Modi at his residence to discuss the next step.
The meeting shall be attended by Home Minister Amitshah, Finance
Minister near Malassi Taraman, Defense Minister Rajarat Singh and External
Affairs Minister s Ja Shanker. These were the top stories
for the day. You were listening to News at seven.
(06:14):
Stay tuned to India Today podcasts
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