Pahalgam Terror Attack: National Response and Ongoing Operations in Jammu & Kashmir

 Security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir following the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals, most of them tourists. The attack, the deadliest in the region since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, has prompted a swift and coordinated national response.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The meeting followed a detailed briefing by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on the strategic decisions taken in the aftermath of the attack, including actions directed at Pakistan.

In a national address during the 121st episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s resolve to impose the “toughest punishment” on terrorists and those aiding them. He expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, assuring them that justice would be served without delay.

Prime Minister Modi also underscored the recent economic and social progress made in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in tourism and youth engagement. He described the Pahalgam assault as a “desperate attempt” by hostile elements to disrupt the region’s trajectory of peace and development.

In the political sphere, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a special joint session of Parliament to address the national security implications of the attack. He has urged that a resolution of condolence be passed to honour the lives lost in the tragedy.

In response to the ongoing security situation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered a temporary closure of 48 tourist destinations across the Valley. Officials confirmed that these locations, out of the 87 areas typically open to the public, are either active search zones or considered high-risk due to their proximity to vulnerable areas.

Authorities continue to conduct intensive operations as part of a wider security reassessment, aimed at both neutralizing threats and restoring confidence among residents and visitors.