India Recalls Pahalgam Terror Attack in Declassified Files

The Indian military has declassified accounts of Operation Sindoor, which reveal the immediate response to the April 22, 2026, terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack occurred when Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was attending a seminar for retiring officers. He was discreetly informed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai that a terrorist attack had taken place in Pahalgam.

According to Lt Gen Ghai, he received a call from the Corps Commander in Kashmir informing him that something had happened in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. He immediately realised that the incident was unlike a routine terror attack. The Army immediately mobilised a nearby unit and a Quick Reaction Team to reach the site. However, the absence of a motorable road between Pahalgam and Baisaran meant that the troops had to cover the final stretch on foot, taking around 30–40 minutes.

As soldiers made their way towards the site, reports of the scale of the attack began emerging. The commanding officer of an infantry battalion described the scene as one in which 'dead bodies' were scattered across the area. Colonel Ashish Upreti, VSM, said the incident appeared markedly different from conventional terror attacks. Recalling the scene, he described it as an 'execution', asserting that victims were segregated on the basis of religion before Hindu men were targeted and killed.

The DGMO also described the killings as deliberate and carried out using automatic weapons, including AK-47 rifles. National security analyst Nitin Gokhale said the attack represented a departure from earlier instances of terrorism, in which militants had generally targeted people indiscriminately. The brutality of the attack also deeply affected India's national security leadership. NSA Ajit Doval recalled the emotional impact of the killings, particularly the attack on families who had travelled to Pahalgam as tourists.

The declassified accounts provide a glimpse into the decision-making process that culminated in India's retaliatory operation. The attack on Pahalgam was widely condemned, and India's response was seen as a decisive step against terrorism. President Murmu has called Operation Sindoor and the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty decisive steps against terrorism.

The attack on Pahalgam was a significant incident in India's recent history, and the declassified accounts provide a detailed understanding of the events that unfolded. The incident highlights the brutality of terrorism and the need for a strong response to such attacks. The Indian military's response to the attack was swift and decisive, and the declassified accounts provide a glimpse into the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.

In the aftermath of the attack, India saw a significant increase in cyberattack attempts, with 15 lakh attempts reported during Operation Sindoor. The incident also highlighted the need for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future. The declassified accounts of Operation Sindoor provide a detailed understanding of the events that unfolded and the response of the Indian military to the terror attack.

The incident has significant implications for India's national security and highlights the need for a strong response to terrorism. The declassified accounts provide a glimpse into the decision-making process that culminated in India's retaliatory operation and highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian military personnel who responded to the attack.

In conclusion, the declassified accounts of Operation Sindoor provide a detailed understanding of the events that unfolded during the terror attack on Pahalgam. The incident highlights the brutality of terrorism and the need for a strong response to such attacks. The Indian military's response to the attack was swift and decisive, and the declassified accounts provide a glimpse into the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.