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

The Taliban government of Afghanistan has condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement, the Taliban expressed condolences to the victims and their families, stating that such acts of violence undermine ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

IndiGo has announced the immediate addition of special flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Mumbai to support affected travelers. Acknowledging the emergent situation, the airline has also taken steps to moderate airfares to prevent price surges. To further assist passengers, IndiGo is offering waivers on cancellation fees and rescheduling charges for those traveling to or from Srinagar, ensuring flexibility and relief during this critical time.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests erupted across the Jammu region on Wednesday. The demonstrations were led by mainstream political parties, religious groups, and socio-political organisations. Protesters raised slogans against Pakistan, its army, and terrorist networks, demanding a strong retaliatory action. Effigies and flags of Pakistan were burnt during the demonstrations. Clashes broke out between Congress workers and police as they attempted to organize a protest march. A joint march led by BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi, along with members of the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and other groups, took place in Satwari, emphasizing unity against terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the attack—the deadliest in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike.

Seven terrorists are believed to have been involved in the recent attack on tourists at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, with intelligence reports indicating that four to five of them may have come from Pakistan, according to The Indian Express. Sources revealed that eyewitness testimonies and preliminary intelligence point to the involvement of at least two local militants, although their exact identities have not yet been confirmed.

An official from the security establishment noted that the language spoken by the foreign attackers—a specific dialect of Urdu—suggests origins in certain regions of Pakistan. The two suspected local militants are thought to have accompanied them, but their exact backgrounds and which part of Kashmir they may belong to remain under investigation.

“We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones… I want to repeat India’s resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism… I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes… The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country,” said Rajnath Singh.

Travel agencies in Delhi report a sharp decline in tourism to Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly 90% of bookings being cancelled. Gaurav Rathi of Swan Travellers noted that about 25 customers have already called off their trips, most of which were scheduled for the coming month.

Popular spots like Gulmarg, Hajan Valley, and the Tulip Gardens were among the most affected by cancellations. While some tourists are opting to redirect their plans to other destinations, others face complications due to non-refundable bookings, causing difficulties for both travelers and agencies.

Verma, another travel agent, highlighted that Kashmir is typically in high demand during this season, especially among families. Swastik Travels added that Kashmir is not only a top choice for Delhi residents but also a key part of itineraries for tourists arriving in Delhi, many of whom plan onward travel to the valley.

The Railways will operate a special unreserved train from Katra to New Delhi at 9:20 pm on Wednesday to help tourists who wish to cut short their visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Himanshu Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, mentioned that the train is being arranged due to the urgency of the situation. The train will make stops at various stations including Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, and will arrive at New Delhi at 9:30 am on Thursday. It will consist of seven general, eight sleeper, and three AC coaches. If the demand exceeds capacity, additional special trains will be arranged promptly.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday assured that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon track down the masterminds behind the Pahalgam terror attack and bring them to justice.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis expressed his disgust over the attack, where terrorists targeted tourists after asking them their religion. “PM Modi will hunt down the masterminds (of Pahalgam terror attack) and bring them to justice,” he said.

Authorities are developing a plan to address the security “vacuum” in the mountains overlooking the Bisaran Valley, a key tourist destination in Kashmir, by permanently deploying army and paramilitary forces. This move comes ahead of the Amarnath pilgrimage and following the recent terrorist attack. Currently, security forces are stationed far from the valley, with limited access, making rapid deployment difficult. A realignment of forces is being planned to ensure better coverage of the area, with troops positioned closer to the valley and its surrounding forests to prevent terrorist movement. The plan follows high-level security meetings chaired by the Union Home Minister.

In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack that killed at least 26 people, mostly tourists, security has been significantly strengthened across Indian-controlled Kashmir. Indian forces have launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend those responsible for one of the region’s deadliest attacks in recent years.

As investigators began their probe into the incident, many shops and businesses in Kashmir shut down in protest, following a call from regional religious and political parties. Tens of thousands of armed police and soldiers have been deployed across the region, setting up additional checkpoints and conducting widespread searches of vehicles. In certain areas, former militants have been summoned to local police stations for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

In response to the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, SpiceJet has announced waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for flights to and from Srinagar, applicable to all bookings made on or before April 22. These waivers will remain valid until April 30, 2025.

To further assist passengers during this difficult time, SpiceJet is operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi today, aiming to minimize inconvenience. The airline expressed its heartfelt solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by the tragic incident.

The Indian Air Force has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Corporal Tage Hailyang, who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. The Air Force extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the brave officer, honoring his sacrifice in the line of duty.

“All air warriors of the Indian Air Force mourn the loss of Corporal Tage Hailyang in the terror attack at Pahalgam and convey heartfelt condolences to his family in this moment of immense grief. The IAF stands in solidarity with the families of all those who lost their lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured,” the Air Force statement said.

A day after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif claimed on Wednesday that the country had no involvement in the incident, which resulted in the deaths of at least several tourists and left many others injured. However, Indian officials remain unconvinced by Pakistan’s denial. Preliminary investigations have indicated that foreign nationals may have been part of the militant group responsible for the attack, further raising suspicions about Pakistan’s potential involvement.

“We have absolutely nothing to do with it. We reject terrorism in all its forms and everywhere,” Asif told a Pakistan TV channel on the Pahalgam attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district… We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

“Both sides strongly condemned the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. In this context, the two sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized that this remains one of the gravest threats to humanity,” the statement read.

“They agreed that there cannot be any justification for any act of terror for any reason whatsoever. They rejected any attempt to link terrorism to any particular race, religion or culture,” the statement added.

According to TOI, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an important security meeting on Wednesday, attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwiwedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

According to a report in ANI, top officials have been deployed to the affected areas, with local security forces on high alert. Additional troops are being sent to the region to conduct search and destroy operations aimed at apprehending the terrorists responsible for the attack.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Punjab has been placed on high alert. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann chaired a high-level security meeting to review and strengthen security measures across the state.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Mann assured that security has been significantly enhanced in Punjab to ensure the safety of its residents and prevent any potential threats. “It is our duty to keep Punjab safe and secure…I want to assure people of Punjab that we will keep the state safe and secure,” he said.

Francois-Noel Buffet, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior of France, has expressed his condolences on behalf of the French government following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. In an interview with ANI, Buffet condemned the attack and emphasized that the perpetrators should face strict punishment, ensuring that they are not allowed to escape justice.

“I would like to say on the behalf of the French government, to the Indian people and to its leaders, our sadness, our anger too, and also our solidarity in the face of this incident that has occurred. And it’s in incidents like these that we need to express our solidarity and be together as nations to fight against terrorism. I would also like to send my thought out to people who lost their lives and like to say that we’ll not let the people who did this without any punishment. We’ll fight against them together,” he said.

Israel has expressed firm solidarity with India following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of over two dozen civilians. “We know the bitter taste of terror,” said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein, condemning the attack in the strongest terms. He reaffirmed the deep and enduring bond between India and Israel, emphasising their shared commitment to combating terrorism.

“Israel stands with India. We know the bitter taste of terror attacks, the targeting of innocent people. India is a friend of Israel and Israel of India. We are here for India,” Marmorstein said during a virtual press conference with reporters. The expression of support comes as global leaders continue to denounce the attack and extend condolences to the victims and their families.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was reopened for one-way traffic on Wednesday after being closed for three days due to landslides, an official spokesperson confirmed. The move aims to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers and ensure their safe return.

This critical all-weather route, which connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, was cleared amid heightened efforts to assist tourists following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam. Thousands of tourists have begun leaving the Valley in the aftermath of the attack, with authorities intensifying efforts to ensure their safe and smooth passage to their home states.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and called on the Indian government to take a firm stand against Pakistan. Accusing Pakistan of orchestrating the deadly strike, Sibal urged the Centre to officially declare Pakistan a “terrorist organisation” and initiate legal proceedings against it at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Citing recent remarks by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, who referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” Sibal said the statements reinforced suspicions of Pakistan’s involvement in the attack. He called for a strong diplomatic and legal response to send a clear message to the global community that such acts of terror are unacceptable.

“It’s a very well-thought-out, well-planned terrorist attack because the Baisaran (meadow) valley is just half an hour away from Pahalgam, which is a high-security zone…those who attacked knew you can’t reach the Baisaran valley from Pahalgam except on ponies and it will take time to reach there,” the Independent Rajya Sabha MP told PTI Videos.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag to inquire about the condition of those injured in the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam. Earlier in the day, Shah visited the attack site at Baisaran, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were brutally killed on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during both visits.

Officials said the Home Minister spoke with doctors and assured all possible support for the treatment and recovery of the injured. “HM Amit Shah and CM Omar Abdullah visited the Associated Hospital of GMC Anantnag to inquire about the condition of the injured tourists following the Pahalgam terror attack,” ruling National Conference posted on its X handle.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed shock and grief over the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives. “Waking up in London to the news of the shocking terrorist attack in Kashmir, I’m appalled by the senseless deaths of so many,” Luxon tweeted. “New Zealanders’ thoughts are with the people of India at this difficult time.” His message adds to the growing international condemnation and global support extended to India in the wake of the tragedy.

To assist stranded passengers and manage the surge in demand following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu & Kashmir Information and Public Relations Department has announced the launch of a special train service from SMVD Katra to New Delhi, reported ANI. Tickets for the special train will be available over the counter at Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu railway stations. The move aims to provide relief and ensure smooth travel for those affected by the ongoing situation.

In a powerful gesture of mourning and defiance, several newspapers across Kashmir printed their front pages entirely in black on Wednesday. This marks the first time in 35 years that the Kashmir Valley has observed a complete shutdown in protest against such violence. The front pages featured stark white or red headlines against black backgrounds, symbolising both the grief and the outrage that have gripped the region in the wake of the tragedy.

Prominent English and Urdu dailies—including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taimeel Irshad—abandoned their usual formats in a striking act of solidarity with the victims and condemnation of the brutality.

Emergency Control Room – Srinagar
0194-2457543
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In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, all cultural programmes scheduled for visiting US Vice President JD Vance and his family in Agra have been cancelled, officials said. Vice President Vance condemned the attack on Tuesday evening, offering his heartfelt condolences and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, describing it as an “inhumane act of violence.” He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Shah Rukh took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his grief and stand in solidarity with the victims and their loved ones.

“Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam…In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act,” he wrote.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his grief over the terrorist attack in Kashmir and condemned it, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described it as a “cowardly” act. As the death toll from the Pahalgam terror attack rose to 26 on Tuesday, social media was flooded with messages of shock and grief. In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Wednesday to address the unfolding crisis.

“The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir today is utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India,” said Starmer in a post on his X handle.

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by an Inspector General, arrived in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday to support the ongoing investigation into Tuesday’s horrific terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives. The NIA team is working alongside local police and visited the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam—the site of the deadly assault—often referred to as “Mini Switzerland” due to its scenic beauty. The area was bustling with tourists enjoying pony rides, local food, and family picnics when gunmen opened fire in broad daylight.

Security agencies have released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the attack. The individuals have been identified as Pakistani nationals: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. The sketches were created based on descriptions provided by survivors. Authorities continue their search for the perpetrators, with security operations underway across the region.