Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: PM Modi chairs top-level meeting, gives free hand to Indian armed forces

The government has closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across Kashmir, citing security reasons, while arrivals at Srinagar airport have significantly declined. Raids on suspected houses have also continued for the second consecutive week, according to reports by Daily Excelsior.

Among the affected destinations are popular spots like Yousmarg, Doodpathri, Aharbal, and the scenic Bangus Valley. The closure also includes eco-tourism sites such as Eco Park Khadniyar and resorts like Padshapal and Cherry Tree Resort. Some destinations are expected to reopen once security is deemed satisfactory.

While 39 destinations remain open, authorities have provided enhanced security for visitors at these locations.

India strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it the worst civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the UN, Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel highlighted the long-lasting impact of terrorism on victims and their families. She also acknowledged the international support in the aftermath of the attack and emphasized the importance of accountability in counter-terrorism efforts. Patel condemned Pakistan’s support for terrorism, urging the global community to act against such threats.

Maharashtra BJP President, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, criticized Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar’s statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. Wadettiwar’s remark, questioning if terrorists have time to ask for religion, sparked controversy. Bawankule accused Wadettiwar of attempting to “exonerate” the terrorists, calling his comment “insensitive” and “anti-national.” Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the remark, stating it added “insult to injury” for the victims’ families. The BJP leaders criticized Congress for politicizing sensitive issues, further deepening the emotional wounds of the people affected by the attack.

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh are facing a challenge regarding nine children born to Pakistani fathers and Indian mothers, following the Centre’s April 22 ‘leave India’ order after the Pahalgam attack. The state is seeking guidance on these children’s status, including four in Indore, three in Jabalpur, and two in Bhopal. Additionally, a Pakistani man who applied for a Long Term Visa (LTV) on April 25 is under scrutiny. The Centre’s order mandates the expulsion of Pakistani nationals with revoked visas, with penalties for non-compliance, effective by April 29.

Recent investigations into the tragic Pahalgam terror attack have revealed that Hashim Musa, a Pakistani terrorist identified as the mastermind, is a former commando from Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG), accoring to TOI

According to sources, Musa, now a member of Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir to carry out attacks on both security forces and non-locals.

Officials suggest that Musa might have been temporarily assigned to LeT by Pakistan’s special forces, strengthening concerns about the growing collaboration between jihadi groups and state actors in Pakistan. The investigation highlights the concerning role of Pakistan’s military in supporting militant operations within India.

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to working with India to counter the global terrorist threat, following high-level talks between Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar.

According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two officials met on April 28 and discussed a range of bilateral issues, the upcoming schedule of political contacts, and the broader security situation in South Asia. The discussions included concerns over escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.

Following backlash, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) President Naresh Tikait expressed regret over his comments opposing the Centre’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Clarifying his stance, Tikait said his statement was “distorted” and stressed that “the entire nation is united.” Earlier, Tikait had termed the decision “wrong,” drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of “speaking the language of Pakistan.” Facing intense pressure, Rakesh Tikait defended his brother, saying the BKU fully supports the government’s strong decisions. India suspended the treaty as a countermeasure after the April 22 attack.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned on Monday that an Indian military strike is imminent following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region last week, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Islamabad of harboring terrorists.

Asif stated, “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. Some strategic decisions have been taken in response.” He further revealed that Pakistan’s military had briefed the government about the potential of an Indian attack, though he did not elaborate on the intelligence behind this assessment. He added, “Pakistan is on high alert and would only use its nuclear arsenal if our existence is directly threatened.”

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui voiced his deep anger and sadness following the terror attack in J&K’s Pahalgam region on April 22. He expressed concern over the impact on tourism and emphasized the love and warmth of the Kashmiri people toward visitors. Siddiqui said, “The way Kashmiris welcome tourists is beyond money. They treat visitors like their own brothers. It’s heartbreaking to see the anger in the local people after this tragedy. Despite everything, the Kashmiri hospitality remains unmatched.” He also acknowledged the government’s efforts to punish those responsible.

Rishi Bhatt, a tourist from Ahmedabad, recalled his terrifying experience during the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. While ziplining at Baisaran meadow, he heard gunfire and saw people being shot. Bhatt expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, who arrived within 20-25 minutes, providing cover and ensuring safety for the tourists. Bhatt also raised suspicions about the zipline operator, who reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” moments before the shooting began. The attack killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, leaving several others injured. The government has vowed to punish the attackers and revoked Pakistani visas in retaliation.

Several Pakistani nationals gathered at the Pakistan Nationals Registration Office under Delhi Police’s Special Branch on Monday, seeking clarity and assistance with their exit documentation.

Among them was Samreen, a Pakistani citizen, who expressed her distress over being asked to leave. “I have been asked to go back. What is my fault, and why am I being punished?” she said. Samreen, who arrived in India last September and married an Indian citizen in October, said her application for a long-term visa is still pending.

“I have to leave tomorrow. Those who don’t have a long-term visa are being asked to leave the country,” she added, fighting back tears.

Reacting to the recent Pahalgam incident, Samreen remarked, “Whatever happened in Pahalgam is absolutely wrong. It should not have happened, but it is not our fault.”

Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel to Midwest India, condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, calling it “unacceptable.” In a statement on Monday, Shoshani expressed that the images emerging from the attack were “heartbreaking.” He further stressed that Pakistan must address the terrorist activities that they have supported in Kashmir.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticized PM Narendra Modi for skipping the all-party meeting regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing the BJP of fueling divisions in the country during a time of national crisis.

Kharge stated that in times like these, everyone should come together, “but the BJP wants to spread venom and divide people”. He expressed disappointment that despite the attendance of leaders from all parties, PM Modi chose to deliver an election speech in Bihar instead of joining the meeting.

Kharge stressed that the country’s unity should come before political parties or religion and reminded the audience that Congress had fought for India’s freedom, with many sacrificing their lives. “Was Bihar far away? The prime minister should have come to the all-party meeting and explained the plan,” he said.

He also criticized Modi’s stance, noting that while the PM did not attend the meeting, he often boasts of his strong leadership, citing his “56-inch chest” and tough rhetoric about responding to attacks.

(With inputs from PTI)

Actor Ajith strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Expressing his heartbreak, he offered prayers for the victims’ families. Ajith urged for greater empathy and hope that such incidents never happen again.

“My heart goes out to all the families. I pray such incidents don’t occur again. I trust the government is doing its best. Let’s all hope that over time, we learn to empathize with one another, set aside our differences, and live peacefully,” Ajith told ANI.

Police deported 15 Pakistani nationals who were in Mumbai on short-term visas (STVs), officials confirmed on Monday. This action follows the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Additionally, two more Pakistani citizens currently in Mumbai for medical treatment will be deported within the next two days, according to a senior police official.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, vowed on Monday to take “all appropriate steps” to protect Pakistan’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, which India suspended following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Dar chaired a high-level meeting on the treaty, attended by Minister for Law and Justice and Water Resources Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, and other senior officials and technical experts, as stated by the Foreign Office.

He emphasised that the treaty is crucial for regional stability and must be upheld, pointing out that the waters of the Indus River System are essential for Pakistan’s 240 million citizens. Dar condemned India’s efforts to “weaponise” water. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that all options would be explored to ensure the uninterrupted flow of rivers allocated to Pakistan under the treaty.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives on April 22.

The meeting between Singh and Modi lasted nearly 40 minutes, although no official statement was issued. During his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address on Sunday, PM Modi reaffirmed the nation’s resolve against terrorism, saying, “The entire world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I assure the affected families that justice will be delivered.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Pakistan has placed its military on high alert following India’s firm stance on pursuing those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday said that the immediate focus should be on the Centre’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that questions of government accountability for any possible lapses could be taken up at a later stage.

“In my opinion, a response should be given, and there should be a message in that response– if you commit such acts, you cannot do so free of cost, and that era is over. This is the price to pay – and tomorrow, the price will be greater. “If that message is not given, such incidents will continue to occur,” Tharoor said about the attack that killed 26 innocent people.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said that an Indian “incursion was imminent” following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly of tourists.

In an interview with Reuters, Asif stated, “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. In such a situation, some strategic decisions must be made and those decisions have been taken.”

The minister further noted that Pakistan remained on “high alert” and emphasised that its nuclear arsenal would only be used if there were a “direct threat to our existence”.

Asif’s remarks come as the Indian government signals preparations for a strong response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, which has once again destabilized the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has warned that several pro-Pakistan social media accounts are spreading false claims about the alleged leak of “confidential documents” concerning the Indian Army’s preparedness. In a post on X, PIB Fact Check categorically dismissed these documents as “fake”.

The clarification comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where militants killed 26 people, mostly tourists, at Baisaran meadow in south Kashmir.

PIB Fact Check in its post on X said, “Pro-Pakistan social media accounts are falsely claiming that confidential documents related to the preparedness of the #indianarmy have been leaked. #pibfactcheck These documents are #fake Please avoid sharing unverified information and rely only on official sources from the Government of India for accurate information”.

Following a controversy over Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remarks on war with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that statements made by “some leaders” do not represent the party’s official position.

“The Congress Working Committee met on April 24, 2025, and passed a resolution condemning the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam two days earlier. Subsequently, on April 25, 2025, the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha attended an all-party meeting to present the party’s views. Some Congress leaders have since made statements to the media. They speak for themselves and do not reflect the views of the Indian National Congress. At this extremely sensitive time, there must be no ambiguity: only the CWC resolution, and the views expressed by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Shri Rahul Gandhi, and authorised AICC office-bearers, represent the official position of the INC,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

On China’s statement of backing Pakistan on ‘neutral probe’ offer, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor told PTI, “I think the government has to answer how it will deal with such things but we don’t need to be intimidated by these things. We have our own capacity.”

A disturbing video from the Pahalgam terror attack has surfaced on social media showing a man on zipline accidentally recording when militants started shooting. Gunshots can be heard in the video and people can be seen running in panic.

More than 1,000 Indians have returned home from Pakistan through the Wagah border over the past six days after their visits were abruptly cut short due to visa cancellations following the Pahalgam terror attack, an official said on Monday. “Over 1,000 Indians have crossed back into India via the Wagah border in the last six days. Similarly, by Monday, more than 800 Pakistanis had also returned home,” a government official told PTI.

Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has written to PM Modi requesting to convene a special session of Parliament to address the challenges to National Unity and Citizen Security.

A day after meeting CDS General Anil Chauhan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at PM Modi’s residence to brief him on security preparedness following the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh discussed key military decisions to counter Pakistan with the CDS in the light of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

India’s imports of dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, dried apricots and pistachios from Afghanistan are likely to be disrupted following the closure of land borders amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, exporters said. The disruption is expected to drive up domestic prices of these commodities.

In response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, India implemented several measures, including the immediate closure of the Attari land-transit post, a key route for the movement of certain goods.

In retaliation, Pakistan announced a complete suspension of all trade with India, including the movement of goods to and from third countries through its territory. This decision may also impact India’s exports to Afghanistan.

Exporters noted that Afghanistan is a major supplier of dry fruits to India and New Delhi also sources similar goods from Islamabad, raising concerns about supply disruptions and potential price increases in the Indian market.

While talking to ANI, farmer leader Naresh Tikait said that Centre’s move of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan was “a wrong decision”. “The treaty should have continued. We are against this. We are farmers and every farmer needs water,” ANI quoted Tikait as saying.

After the statement, brother of Naresh Tikait, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said that what his brother said was not with bad intentions. “A lot of people from the Press were questioning him about the issue (Indus Waters Treaty)…There is no such intention. We are with the government and our armed forces on this issue. Strict decisions should be taken and we will stand with them,” he said.

A study released by Swedish think-tank SIPRI has revealed that India spent nine times higher than Pakistan on military expenditure in 2024. The study comes amid growing tensions between the two nations over the Pahalgam terror attack.

India’s military expenditure, the fifth largest globally, grew by 1.6 per cent to USD 86.1 billion while Pakistan’s spent USD 10.2 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The top five military spenders — the United States, China, Russia, Germany and India — accounted for 60 per cent of the global total, with combined spending of USD 1635 billion, it said.

China’s military expenditure increased by 7.0 per cent to an estimated USD 314 billion, marking three decades of consecutive growth, the study noted.

According to reports, the Congress has issued a gag order for its party leaders. The move comes in the wake of some pro-Pakistan statements from a few Congress leaders.