AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday slammed Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack saying that they cannot call themselves a nuclear power, enter another country, kill innocent people without facing any consequences. “No matter the government, by killing our people on our land, and targeting them based on religion, what ‘deen’ are you talking about? You have acted like the ISIS,” Owaisi said.
Speaking at a public meeting in Parbhani, Maharashtra, Owaisi questioned Pakistan’s actions, pointing out that killing people based on religion cannot be justified, and compared their actions to that of terrorist groups like ISIS. He wanted to convey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Kashmir is an integral part of India and Kashmiris remain and integral part of India too. “We cannot doubt the Kashmiris,” he said.
The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepalese national. The victims were shot near Baisaran Meadow, a well-known tourist spot. This incident is one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives.
Following the attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been active at the site since April 23. Senior officers are leading efforts to collect evidence, and eyewitnesses are being questioned to piece together what happened.
The Indian Army has also launched multiple operations and remains on high alert to find and neutralise the terrorists involved. After the attack, protests broke out across the country, with people demanding stronger action against Pakistan for its alleged support of terrorism.
On April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held a meeting where they were given a detailed report about the incident. The committee strongly condemned the attack, offered condolences to the victims’ families, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The CCS also highlighted that the attack had cross-border links and came shortly after peaceful elections and continued economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
As part of India’s response, it has decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Five staff members who supported these Advisors will also be pulled out. With these changes, the Indian High Commission’s strength will be reduced from 55 to 30 personnel, and the new staffing will take effect from May 1, 2025.