Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: Opposition gives ‘full support’ to govt during all-party meeting, ‘security lapses’ discussed

On Wednesday, BJP workers, led by Jharkhand state president Babulal Marandi, staged a torchlight procession in Ranchi to protest the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left at least 26 people dead. The rally began at Jaipal Singh Stadium, where participants chanted slogans such as “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Hindu Narsanhar Bandh Karo” (stop the massacre of Hindus), before concluding at Albert Ekka Chowk.

Addressing the crowd, Marandi condemned the attack, saying, “Innocent Hindus were targeted and shot because of their religion. There is nothing more horrific than this. Simply punishing the perpetrators won’t be enough. We must eliminate the root causes of such violence.”

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, announced that 182 tourists stranded in Jammu and Kashmir will be flown back to Maharashtra on Thursday. In a video shared on X, Mohol, who is also an MP from Pune, stated that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has arranged for special flights from Air India and IndiGo to bring the tourists back following the Pahalgam terror attack. He further mentioned that the state government would bear the expenses of the flights.

Players from IPL teams Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, along with commentators, donned black armbands on Tuesday to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

“I would like to firstly pass my condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack. We as a team and a franchise condemn any such attacks,” said MI skipper Hardik Pandya.

“It has been heartbreaking for us as well, our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said SRH skipper Cummins.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has called on the Union government to take the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir “seriously.” In a statement, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and accountability regarding the incident.​ “It’s a serious matter. The incident happened where tourists usually go. I don’t know what the security arrangement was there, but I would say that the central government should take this seriously,” Singh told PTI.

The Delhi government has postponed all public programmes scheduled for April 23 and 24 as a mark of respect to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on X, expressing condolences for those “martyred” in the attack. Earlier, she paid tribute to Lt Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer from Haryana who was among those killed.

According to ABP News, in a massive crackdown following the Pahalgam terror attack, over 1,500 individuals—including Overground Workers (OGWs), people with militant links, and those with FIRs—have been detained across Kashmir. The attack, which claimed 26 lives including government officials, is suspected to have been carried out by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, the government has not officially confirmed Pakistan’s involvement.

Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge criticized the BJP-led central government for security failures, questioning the effectiveness of the Home Ministry and intelligence agencies. He pointed to the attack—one of the worst since the 2019 Pulwama strike—as a serious lapse in national security. In a post on X, Kharge said, “When the so-called Chanakya Home Minister is busy toppling governments, breaking parties and rigging elections, this is what happens. Where is the intelligence? Where is the surveillance? Where is James Bond Doval?”

“Whether #pulwama of #pahalgam in both cases, security lapses were flagged beforehand. Both ignored. And shockingly the BJP government has cut over 1.8 lakh army personnel since COVID to save money. If Manyavar Amit Shah had shown the same interest to monitor foreign threats as he does to snoop on opposition party leaders or making Jay Shah, ICC President, maybe China wouldn’t be squatting on Indian land and maybe this unfortunate attack could’ve been prevented,” the Congress leader said.

Indian Railways has established a help desk at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station to assist tourists returning home after the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, a special train to New Delhi is being operated to manage the increased passenger flow and support safe travel.

“Launch of a Special Train from SMVD Katra to New Delhi to assist the stranded passengers and accommodate the extra rush, a special train service has been launched. The tickets shall be available over the counter from Katra, Udhampur and Jammu stations”, said Jammu and Kashmir’s Information and Public Relations Department.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Wednesday evening following the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed at least 26 people. The high-level meeting included Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is returning from a shortened US visit.

PM Modi, who flew back from Saudi Arabia early Wednesday, held an immediate meeting at the airport with Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry to assess the situation. Earlier, Amit Shah visited the attack site in Baisaran and met victims at the hospital.

A 30-year-old pony ride operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, was among the 26 victims of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Known locally as a ‘ponywallah’, Shah reportedly stood up to the armed assailants during the assault. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited his village, Hapatnard, to offer fatiha and pay tribute to his courage. Shah was laid to rest amid emotional scenes, with hundreds of mourners honoring his bravery and sacrifice.

“I visited Pahalgam today to offer ‘fatiha’ (prayer after burial) for brave-heart Shah, who was shot dead while trying to snatch a weapon from one of the terrorists in a courageous attempt to protect the tourists he had ferried on horseback from the parking area to Baisaran meadow. Met his grieving family and assured them of full support — Adil (Shah) was the sole breadwinner, and his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” the chief minister wrote in a post shared by his office on X.

Former Puducherry Lt Governor and IPS officer Kiran Bedi has strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it “beastly.” In a message on Wednesday, she stressed the need for unity and strategic action, stating, “Kashmir at peace will never be tolerated by our enemies—the beasts.” The attack, which took place on Tuesday at Baisaran meadows, claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists.

Prominent Muslim organisations have strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind stated that terrorism must not be given a religious angle, calling it a “cancer” that goes against Islam’s principles of peace.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, head of the All India Imam Organisation, announced that imams from over 5.5 lakh mosques will deliver anti-terror messages and pray for the victims during Friday prayers. He emphasized that killing innocents in the name of religion is against both Islam and humanity.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to meet shortly to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The CCS, India’s top decision-making body on national security and defence matters, will deliberate on policy, response strategy, and possible countermeasures.

Key attendees include Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Cabinet Secretary, and Defence Secretary are also expected to participate.

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Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of India. The country’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms, expressing solidarity with India during this difficult time.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in many deaths and injuries,” a statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians. The Kingdom also extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and the government and people of the Republic of India,” it added.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced that state police have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance along the border with Jammu and Kashmir following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, was one of the deadliest in recent years. Sukhu emphasised the importance of being on alert in such situations, with the police focusing on monitoring the border area. “Being on alert is obvious in such a situation. The police have been told to keep a vigil along the border with Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“…Our condolences to the people of Kashmir who were affected by this terrible terrorist attack. The President has already spoken with Prime Minister Modi. We’re providing whatever assistance and help we can provide to the government and to the people of India…,” JD Vance said.

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Tangmarg, Kulgam district, South Kashmir, on Wednesday. Acting on specific intelligence, forces initiated a search operation, during which they came under heavy fire, leading to the ongoing gunfight. The area has been cordoned off, with reinforcements deployed to assist in the operation.

The security forces launched operations to eliminate terrorists across the Kashmir valley. In Baramulla, heavy exchange of fire took place between the security forces and terrorists during the counter-infiltration operation launched on Tuesday night. (PTI)

Citizens can reach out to helpline numbers, Vandhana- 9871999044 and Hyder Ali Naqvi – 9971387500, for information or assistance, the release added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s residence for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security after Pahalgam terror attack.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a “planned” strike and alleging an “intelligence failure” by the Centre. With two victims from Karnataka among the dead, he dispatched officials to J&K to bring back stranded tourists and coordinated the return of the victims’ bodies. Emphasising zero tolerance for terrorism, he said security lapses must not be repeated.

“I feel this attack was a planned one. Whoever has done it, I condemn it. Terror attacks should not happen. Whichever caste or religion they are from, it is still the taking of a life. This is a major terror attack, which the Karnataka government strongly condemns,” Siddaramaiah said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cancelled his planned two-day visit to Ladakh, scheduled for April 25–26, in light of the escalating situation following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The cancellation underscores the gravity of the security concerns in the region.

On Wednesday, Singh held a high-level security review meeting lasting nearly two and a half hours. Key attendees included NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The meeting focused on assessing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and formulating necessary response measures.

The hospitality industry are responding to an anticipated wave of booking cancellations for Jammu and Kashmir. Companies like Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip are coordinating with airline and hotel partners to offer free cancellations and rescheduling options to affected travellers. Cleartrip reported a sevenfold spike in cancellations and a 40% drop in future bookings.

Industry leaders expressed grave concern over the impact on tourism, a critical livelihood source for many in J&K. FAITH and IATO condemned the attack, highlighting how it strikes at the heart of the region’s tourism-based economy. Royal Orchid Hotels noted that the attack could reverse the substantial growth in tourism J&K has witnessed in recent years—from 3 million visitors in 2020 to nearly 24 million in 2024—potentially disrupting the economic progress and stability the region had started to experience.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared that US Vice President JD Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Vance extended heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives and reaffirmed America’s support for India during this challenging time. He emphasised the US’s readiness to assist in the joint fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to both Vice President Vance and President Trump for their messages of solidarity.

Brigadier Mayank Shukla, Commander of the 161 Infantry Brigade, confirmed that the Indian Army successfully carried out a counter-infiltration operation in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the night of April 22–23. Acting on intelligence inputs about Pakistani terrorist movement, the Army used surveillance, drones, and ambush teams to track their approach.

At around 3 a.m., after the terrorists crossed the Line of Control (LoC), security forces engaged them in a two-hour gunfight, resulting in the neutralization of two terrorists. A search operation in the dense forest followed, leading to the recovery of weapons, including two AK rifles, a 9mm Chinese pistol, magazines, and a significant cache of ammunition. A 10kg improvised explosive device (IED) was also found. Identification efforts are underway by the J&K Police.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for an all-party meeting scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Announcing the move on Twitter, he stated that invitations have been sent to all major political parties, Members of Parliament from J&K, and the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly. The meeting aims to discuss the current security situation and build a united political response.

Robert Vadra sparked a political controversy after suggesting that the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, targeted non-Muslims due to perceived mistreatment of Muslims in India. While condemning the attack, he called for separating religion from politics and stressed the need for national unity.

The BJP strongly condemned his remarks, accusing him of echoing terrorist justifications and politicizing the tragedy. They demanded an apology and questioned Congress’s stance, given Vadra’s family ties to the party.

Vadra clarified that his views were personal, not representative of the Congress. He also urged the central government to support affected families and boost employment in Jammu and Kashmir, especially for those impacted by the tourism downturn.