Pahalgam Terror Attack: Security Operations Intensify Amid Political and Cyber Challenges

 Srinagar/New Delhi, April 29, – Security forces detained an individual at Srinagar airport on Tuesday after his facial features matched a suspect sketch linked to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The detainee, who identified himself as a member of a film crew en route to Chandigarh for a shoot, is under investigation to verify his claims and assess any potential connections to the incident.

In response to the attack, orchestrated by Pakistan-based and -trained terrorists, high-level security consultations were held in New Delhi throughout the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a critical meeting at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The session, lasting over one hour and 35 minutes, focused on strategic responses to the assault, with Rajnath Singh departing the residence following its conclusion. Separately, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan convened a meeting with the heads of three paramilitary forces—Director General of the Border Security Force Daljit Singh Chaudhary, Director General of the National Security Guard Brighu Srinivasan, and Director General of the Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera—alongside senior officers from two additional security organizations, to coordinate efforts against the threat.

The Pahalgam attack has ignited a political controversy, with Congress leaders issuing criticisms of the Prime Minister, including the circulation of a provocative poster. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned these actions, accusing the Congress of adopting a stance sympathetic to Pakistan, further intensifying the domestic debate.

Adding to the security concerns, the official website of the Rajasthan Education Department was hacked on Tuesday. The defaced homepage displayed a mocking message targeting the Indian government over the 2019 capture of Indian Air Force officer Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan, alongside objectionable content referencing the recent Pahalgam attack. Authorities are investigating the breach, which underscores the growing cyber dimension of regional tensions.

As security forces intensify operations and political rhetoric escalates, the government remains focused on addressing both the immediate threat posed by the attack and the broader implications for national security.