Terror Strikes Pahalgam: India Responds with High-Level Action as Global Condemnation Mounts

 New Delhi/Srinagar, April 23, 2025 — In the aftermath of one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, top Indian leadership has mobilized swiftly. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed from his residence in New Delhi and is expected to arrive shortly at the South Block. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has authorized the temporary deployment of Advanced Light Helicopters in Jammu and Kashmir—an exception following their previous grounding.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to arrive at the Police Control Room in Srinagar by 10 a.m., where he will lead tributes to the victims of Tuesday's heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The assault, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, left at least 26 people dead, including several foreign nationals.

Eyewitness accounts and intelligence sources reveal that heavily armed terrorists, disguised in military uniforms, opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists enjoying a horseback ride in the Baisaran meadows. The attackers reportedly asked for religious identity before executing their victims. The massacre has been described by officials as "unprecedented" in its scale and brazenness.

The victims, all male, included civilians, public servants, and defense personnel. The mortal remains have been flown to Srinagar and are being prepared for transport to their respective home states. A full list of the deceased has been made public by the authorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning. He avoided Pakistani airspace, flying over the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was briefed at the airport by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. A Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

In Srinagar, Home Minister Amit Shah will also visit the Armed Police Headquarters to pay respects, before heading to a hospital treating the injured. He is expected to conduct an aerial survey of Pahalgam, followed by a return to New Delhi later in the day.

Back-to-back counter-terror operations have been launched in response to the attack. Two terrorists were killed in separate encounters in Baramulla and Uri earlier today. The Indian Army confirmed that a major infiltration attempt was foiled and large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered.

Top-level officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Border Security Force (BSF) have arrived in Srinagar to oversee the ongoing investigation. According to intelligence reports, 8 to 10 terrorists may have been involved in Tuesday’s attack, with 5 to 7 believed to be foreign nationals from Pakistan. Aerial reconnaissance using military helicopters is underway in the hills surrounding Pahalgam.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has distanced itself from the attack, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claiming the assailants were “homegrown.” However, global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.

Domestic political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, have called for a united and forceful response. Kharge emphasized the need for national unity and swift justice for the victims, while urging the Government of India to consult all political stakeholders to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists in the region.

In a separate development, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the Tata Pani area of Poonch, prompting a retaliatory response from the Indian Army. No casualties have been reported so far.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with airlines to ensure the dignified transport of the deceased to their home states. Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has requested all carriers to take a compassionate approach under the extraordinary circumstances.

Due to the prevailing situation, Kashmir University has postponed all scheduled examinations. Fresh dates will be announced in due course.

As India mourns the loss of innocent lives, security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure and prevent further attacks. A complete overhaul of security protocols in Jammu and Kashmir is reportedly under consideration.