In a horrifying incident on April 22, 2025, three judges from the Kerala High Court and their families narrowly escaped a terror attack in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The judges — Justice Anil K. Narendran, Justice G. Girish, and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar — were vacationing with their families when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. According to early reports, the judges’ vehicles were just minutes away from the site of the attack, allowing them to evade direct harm.

Eyewitnesses said panic broke out among tourists as the first gunshots rang out near the bustling tourist area. Security personnel deployed in the region responded immediately, rushing to secure the area and evacuate civilians to safety.

Authorities confirmed that the judges were unharmed but deeply shaken by the incident. “It was a close call,” a senior police official said, adding that the judges were quickly moved to a secure location under heavy security cover.

The attack, aimed at spreading fear among visitors, left several civilians injured. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported among the tourists, though investigations are ongoing to confirm the number of wounded.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a massive search operation in and around Pahalgam. Special units of the Army, CRPF, and J&K police have cordoned off the region, with checkpoints established on all major routes to intercept the attackers.

Officials suspect the involvement of Pakistan-backed terrorist groups that have been increasingly targeting soft civilian gatherings to disrupt tourism and normalcy in the Valley.

In the wake of the attack, the Kerala High Court expressed deep concern for the safety of its judges and condemned the heinous act. The Chief Minister of Kerala also issued a statement, expressing relief that the judges and their families were safe and urging both central and state governments to ensure the utmost security for all Indian citizens traveling to Kashmir.

Tourism bodies have appealed for calm and reassured visitors that enhanced security measures have been put in place. However, the attack has raised fresh questions about the safety of civilians and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, despite improved conditions in recent years.

Further updates are expected as security agencies intensify their manhunt for those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.