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

On the statements made by some Congress leaders’ regarding Pahalgam terror attack, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Are Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge not able to control their party?… Everyone is given the freedom to speak whatever they want to. All their statements are being misused in Pakistan. There is a media campaign running… When the nation should speak in a common tone, Congress leaders are demeaning the country in front of Pakistan. What are you (Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge) doing?… Were any questions asked to Siddaramaiah? Has anyone been told to issue a public apology?… We condemn this attitude…”

Lucknow police have filed a sedition case against folk singer Neha Singh Rathore following a complaint against her provocative social media posts. The posts allegedly targeted a specific faith community after the Pahalgam terror attack and claimed that they could threaten national unity.

“I would like to acknowledge that the leaders of the Congress party and its president are standing with the government, in fact Rahul Gandhi has issued a statement affirming this. This is a sign of a strong democracy. When the country faces a tense situation, we must stand united,” BJP‘s Ravi Shankar Prasad.

He added, “However, some leaders of the Congress party have been making major statements, and this has become a pattern, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that there is no need for war. When such statements are made by senior leaders, they are picked up and used by the Pakistani media. This is shameful to those who lost their lives.”

Congress leader Saifuddin Soz has backed Pakistan’s stance on the Pahalgam terror attack.

“For Pakistan, the water is very important for irrigation and drinking purposes. If the river water cannot be diverted, the states of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir will be totally submerged. The Indus Water Treaty has survived the wars between India and Pakistan. This water treaty is a lifeline for Pakistan. If Pakistan takes a stand that they are not involved in the Pahalgam attack, then we should accept Pakistan’s word,” Soz had said.

The BJP has launched a scathing attack on Saifuddin Soz after he urged not to divert the Indus water as it is “Pakistan’s lifeline”. He also said that the government must accept Pakistan’s claims that it had no role in the terror attack.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Farooq Abdullah said that one should ask PM Modi what answers should be given to Pakistan after the dastardly terror attack on the Valley that killed at least 26 people.

During a special assembly session addressing the recent Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep regret, stating, “This incident has affected the entire country. We have witnessed many such attacks in the past, but an attack of this scale hasn’t occurred in Baisaran for 21 years. I find myself at a loss for words in apologizing to the families of the victims… As the host, it was my responsibility to ensure the safety of tourists, and I failed in that duty. I do not know how to offer my apologies.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his regret in the Assembly, stating that despite being in office, he couldn’t save the tourists who were victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Abdullah reflected on the incident with a heavy heart, acknowledging the tragedy that claimed 26 lives, and reiterated the need for stronger measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah honored the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by reading out their names during a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The National Conference moved a resolution condemning the attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. Abdullah’s gesture highlighted the gravity of the attack and paid tribute to the victims.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, speaking at an event in Deoghar, Jharkhand on Monday, reiterated his strong stance on Kashmir, declaring that it would “definitely come back to India.” He also claimed that Pakistan would eventually be divided into separate entities such as Balochistan, Pakhtunistan, and Punjab. “If this does not happen, then you can say that BJP gave a false assurance. This is Prime Minister Modi’s guarantee,” Dubey asserted.

Dubey further condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it “extremely unfortunate” and spoke out against Pakistani nationals marrying Indian citizens. He suggested that such marriages needed closer scrutiny, especially those who supported Pakistan in killing Indian nationals. “Those who supported Pakistan in killing our people, or those who supported them in the name of marrying Indians, must be taken action upon,” he added.

After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remarks opposing war with Pakistan, senior Maharashtra Congress MLA Vijay Waddetiwar has stirred controversy with his comments on the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Waddetiwar questioned the victims’ accounts that terrorists asked about their religion before opening fire.

“The government must take responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Terrorists do not have the time to ask about religion. Some say this did not happen. Terrorists have no caste or religion. Identify the guilty and take action,” Waddetiwar told reporters.

Responding to Siddaramaiah’s “no war” comments, Waddetiwar said, “If the government is ready for war, then do it.” He also criticized the government’s talk of stopping Pakistan’s water, claiming it would take decades.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah stressed strengthening security in Kashmir rather than going to war. His remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders like Sambit Patra, who accused the Congress of echoing Pakistan’s narrative.

The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, is among the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Following the incident, India announced tough diplomatic measures against Pakistan.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is scheduled to meet today at 3 pm in the Parliament House Annexe to discuss key matters related to national security.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday unanimously condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and endorsed the Union Government’s diplomatic measures announced after the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. During a special session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved a resolution calling the April 22 attack an assault on Kashmiriyat, constitutional values, and national unity. The Assembly paid tribute to the 26 victims and saluted the bravery of Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who sacrificed his life saving tourists. The resolution affirmed full solidarity with victims and support for the Centre’s strong action against cross-border terrorism.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly observed a two-minute silence on Monday to pay tribute to the 26 victims killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather condemned the attack on innocent tourists and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. During the special session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary presented a resolution on behalf of the government, expressing shock and sorrow over the barbaric attack. The assault, which took place on April 22 at Baisaran in Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists from other states.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday, a day after being briefed by Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan on key decisions to counter Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which occurred on April 22, killed 26 individuals, mostly tourists, and is one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama strike. In response, India has taken steps including withdrawing Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and reducing staff by 25 members, effective May 1, 2025.

In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Mumbai Police have identified 17 Pakistani nationals residing in the city. They have been issued exit permits to leave India, following central government directives. Over the past three days, 537 Pakistani nationals have left India through the Attari border. Additionally, around 5000 names of Pakistani nationals living in Delhi have been handed over to local police for verification. The Indian government has revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals, except for long-term, diplomatic, and official visas, in response to the recent attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will closely monitor BBC’s coverage after the broadcaster referred to the attackers as “militants” instead of “terrorists,” a government official said. The MEA conveyed India’s strong displeasure over the reporting to Jackie Martin, BBC’s India Head, the official added.

On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has imposed a ban on several Pakistani YouTube channels. These channels were found to be spreading provocative, communally sensitive content, along with false and misleading narratives targeting India, its Army, and security agencies, especially in the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ffarmers in Jammu and Kashmir are hurriedly harvesting crops due to heightened tensions at the border. Fearful of cross-border violence, local farmers, like Asghar Husain Shah, are taking precautionary measures to minimize losses. The situation has left many uneasy, as farmers rush to secure their crops amid growing insecurity. Khetrapal Sharma, Pradhan of Shri Sanatan Sabha, condemned the attack and urged for stronger responses, highlighting the impact on the region’s agricultural community. Meanwhile, the NIA and Indian Army have intensified efforts to neutralize the threat.

In response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, actor Atul Kulkarni visited Kashmir to express his support for the region and its people. Kulkarni, deeply saddened by the loss of 25 Indian lives and one Nepali citizen, highlighted the widespread fear among tourists, with 90% of bookings cancelled post-attack. Taking action beyond social media, Kulkarni traveled to Pahalgam to send a message of solidarity, urging people to return to the region. His Instagram posts shared the beauty of Kashmir and local support for peace.

Hafiz Syed Muhammad Ali al-Hussaini, Chairman of the Karnataka State Board of Auqaf, condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, calling it anti-Islamic. Speaking to ANI, he emphasized that such attacks are not linked to Islam, which advocates peace. “Terrorism has no place in any religion,” he stated, urging intolerance toward cross-border terrorism. The attack, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national, has sparked widespread outrage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured justice for the victims, vowing the harshest response for those responsible for the attack.

Businessman Robert Vadra on Monday clarified that his comments on the Pahalgam terror attack were “misinterpreted,” stating it was his duty to explain his stance. In a Facebook post, Vadra said he strongly condemned the attack, stood firmly with India, and stressed that violence against innocents cannot be justified. He added that terrorism in any form was an attack on humanity’s soul and urged people to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence. Vadra said silence had allowed him to reflect responsibly before speaking. He also mourned the victims, emphasizing a collective duty to work for a world free of terror.

Grieving the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Americans gathered in Washington, DC, holding a silent vigil near the Lincoln Memorial. With saffron, Indian, and American flags in hand, mourners shared emotional memories, recalling long-standing pain faced by Kashmiri Hindus. “We were singled out,” said Priya, a local resident. Several attendees spoke against religious persecution, urging global awareness. The April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national, near Baisaran Meadow. Organizers called for “awakening the conscience of humanity” as vigils continue across the United States, underscoring solidarity beyond borders.

Pakistani forces once again violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), opening unprovoked fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Kupwara districts, army officials said on Monday.

This marks the fourth consecutive night of ceasefire violations, coming amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

A defence spokesperson said, “During the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch districts.” Indian troops responded swiftly and effectively, he added.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang participated in a candle march held in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the gathering, he said Sikkim always stands with the nation during crises. On April 22, terrorists opened fire near Baisaran Meadow in Jammu and Kashmir, injuring 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security condemned the incident, vowing strict action. Meanwhile, NIA teams and the Indian Army have launched search operations, as nationwide protests demand tougher measures against Pakistan.

In Washington DC, Kashmiri Pandit Swapna Raina spoke emotionally about the trauma faced by her community, recalling the horror triggered by the April 22 terror attack.

“I’m here because I suffered, because we were singled out for the faith we followed,” she said. “My grandfather was targeted and shot simply because he was Hindu.”

Raina recounted how the fresh attack brought back “nightmares” of the past. “We were given three choices — convert to Islam, flee, or die. Over 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled their homes overnight,” she said, adding that even today, they are forced to defend their stories against false narratives.

“Our hearts bleed, and our eyes have dried up crying,” she said, calling April 22 “a slap on the face of humanity.”

She urged people to acknowledge the atrocities and respect all faiths, stressing that no one should ever have to die because of their religion. “Islamic terrorism has to stop,” Raina said, while highlighting that innocent people were shot at point-blank range without even being asked about their identities.

A large gathering of Indian community members and diaspora representatives converged outside the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday to counter a Pakistani demonstration protesting against what was termed “Indian propaganda” following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” while waving the Indian Tricolour, the pro-India crowd significantly outnumbered the smaller group of British Pakistanis assembled across the street. A heavy Metropolitan Police presence ensured the two groups remained separated, although they exchanged heated insults.

Later in the evening, British Indian groups organised a candlelight vigil at Piccadilly Circus to honour the 26 victims of the April 22 attack. Similar “All Eyes on Pahalgam” protests and vigils were also held across Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

“The aim is to present a united front against terrorism,” said community group Insight UK.

Security forces have tracked the Pahalgam attackers at least four times in different locations over the past five days, sources informed The Indian Express. Despite closing in on the terrorists multiple times, they managed to escape the tight grips of security forces due to the dense South Kashmir forests. On one occasion, a firefight broke out between the forces and the attackers.

Local residents, intelligence inputs, and combing operations played a key role in locating the terrorists. “It’s a cat-and-mouse game. They’ve been spotted several times, but due to the terrain, they’ve managed to escape,” said a military officer. The Army, supported by Central Armed Police Forces and J&K Police, is confident that the attackers will be captured in the coming days.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy held talks with both Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday, discussing the escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Jaishankar conveyed India’s policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and emphasized the cross-border linkages of the attack, which killed 26 civilians. He reiterated India’s commitment to severe punishment for those involved. Lammy also engaged with Dar, where the Pakistan Foreign Office stated that Dar reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to defend its national interests while striving for peace and stability in the region. The discussions also touched upon the ongoing diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan. Dar informed Lammy about India’s unilateral actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international obligations. Lammy urged both nations to de-escalate tensions and pursue dialogue for a peaceful resolution.

India has issued a strict deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country following the Pahalgam terror attack. Those failing to comply face arrest, prosecution, and penalties including up to three years in jail or a fine of Rs 3 lakh. Home Minister Amit Shah has directed states to enforce this.