Subbiahpatturajan Pahalgam Terror Attack: Latest Updates and Developments Published: May 5, 2025 | Last Updated: May 5, 2025, 10:00 AM ISTThe devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, continues to dominate headlines as India grapples with its aftermath. The attack, one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting diplomatic, military, and investigative responses. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates surrounding the Pahalgam attack, its implications, and the ongoing developments. The Attack: A Tragic Day in Baisaran ValleyOn April 22, 2025, a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, often called “Mini Switzerland,” near Pahalgam. The attack killed 26 people, including 24 Hindu tourists, two foreigners, and a local pony ride operator. Survivors reported that the militants specifically...
Subbiahpatturajan
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Latest Updates and Developments
Published: May 5, 2025 | Last Updated: May 5, 2025, 10:00 AM ISTThe devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025,
which claimed 26 lives, continues to dominate headlines as India grapples with its aftermath.
The attack, one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting diplomatic, military, and investigative responses. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates surrounding the Pahalgam attack, its implications, and the ongoing developments.
The Attack: A Tragic Day in Baisaran ValleyOn April 22, 2025, a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, often called “Mini Switzerland,” near Pahalgam.
The attack killed 26 people, including 24 Hindu tourists, two foreigners, and a local pony ride operator. Survivors reported that the militants specifically targeted Hindu men, fueling widespread outrage across India.
The Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), initially claimed responsibility, though Pakistan has denied any involvement.The attack has drawn comparisons to the 2019 Pulwama bombing due to its scale and impact on India-Pakistan relations. It has also triggered protests, candlelight vigils, and a complete shutdown in Kashmir, with newspapers printing black front pages to mourn the loss.
Investigation: NIA Takes Charge, Suspects IdentifiedThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, marking it as the most significant terror investigation since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Key developments include:
Terrorist Identification: Security agencies have identified three key perpetrators—Hashim Moosa, Adil Thoker, and Asif Sheikh. Moosa, a former para-commando in Pakistan’s Special Service Group who later joined Lashkar-e-Taiba, is a prime target. A ₹20 lakh bounty has been announced for each suspect, with efforts focused on capturing Moosa alive to establish Pakistan’s alleged role.Local Involvement: The NIA has questioned 1,500 to 2,000 local pony riders and detained over 2,500 locals and 250 suspects, suspecting overground workers (OGWs) provided logistical support. Reports suggest the attack area was illegally opened by local authorities or tour operators without security clearance, raising concerns of betrayal.
Digital Footprints: The NIA has tracked digital evidence linking the attackers to Pakistan, with encrypted communication devices believed to have been used by the terrorists, who are likely hiding in dense forests in south Kashmir.The investigation has also revealed that the terrorists scouted four other locations, including Aru and Betaab valleys, at least 48 hours before the attack, indicating meticulous planning.
India’s Response: Diplomatic and Military MeasuresThe Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken swift and decisive actions in response to the attack, signaling a robust retaliation:Diplomatic Actions: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan by reducing mission strength by half, expelled Pakistani diplomats and defense officials, canceled visas, and closed the Attari-Wagah border. Additionally, India barred Pakistani aircraft from its airspace until May 23, 2025, and banned all trade, mail, and port access with Pakistan.
Military Freedom: On April 30, PM Modi granted the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to decide the “mode, targets, and timing” of their response. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) have held multiple meetings to review the security situation and plan countermeasures.
Security Crackdown: Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed states to ensure no Pakistani nationals remain in India beyond the set deadline. In Assam, 39 individuals have been arrested for allegedly “defending Pakistan” since the attack.India has also engaged in diplomatic outreach, briefing non-permanent UN Security Council members, including Denmark, about the attack’s cross-border linkages. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners must be brought to justice.
Pakistan’s Reaction: Denials and Countermeasures Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, with its government and military rejecting India’s accusations. Key responses include:
Warnings and Retaliation: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that any Indian structure built on the Indus River in violation of the suspended treaty would be targeted. Pakistan also claimed India was planning military action within 24-36 hours based on “baseless allegations” and vowed consequences.
Airspace and Trade Bans: In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers, barred Indian ships from its ports, and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries.Statements from Leaders: Jailed former PM Imran Khan called the attack “deeply disturbing” but warned India against “misadventure,” citing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s YouTube channel was blocked in India, citing national security concerns.
International Reactions: Calls for De-escalationThe attack has drawn global attention, with several countries and leaders urging restraint to prevent a wider conflict:United States: Vice President JD Vance expressed support for India but urged a measured response to avoid regional conflict, emphasizing Pakistan’s need to cooperate in combating extremism. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support in India’s fight against terrorism.United Kingdom: The UK condemned the “despicable” attack and called for de-escalation.Bangladesh: The government distanced itself from a former army officer’s remarks on the attack, clarifying they did not reflect official policy.Angola: President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco discussed the attack with PM Modi, with India reiterating its commitment to decisive action.The US and other nations have highlighted the strategic importance of stability in South Asia, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate tensions.
Domestic Impact: Protests and Political UnityThe attack has sparked significant domestic reactions in India:
Public Outrage: Kashmiris held candlelight vigils and protest marches, while incidents of harassment against Kashmiris were reported across India, reminiscent of the post-Pulwama backlash. In Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, locals painted a Pakistani flag on a road and trampled it to protest the attack.
Political Consensus: An all-party meeting saw leaders across political lines, including Rahul Gandhi, assuring the government of full support for any action taken. The Congress Working Committee discussed the attack alongside other issues like the caste census.
Legal Actions: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea for a judicial probe into the attack, questioning the petitioner’s intent and asserting that such matters are outside judicial expertise. In Madhya Pradesh, two individuals were arrested for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans during a protest condemning the attack.
Ongoing Tensions: Ceasefire Violations and BeyondPakistan has violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for eight consecutive nights since the attack, with incidents reported in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors. India has responded proportionately, heightening security in the region. Paramilitary personnel have intensified patrols in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and other sensitive areas.The attack has plunged India-Pakistan relations into a “deep crisis,” with former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan describing the situation as “potentially very dangerous.”What’s Next?As the NIA continues its investigation and India weighs its response, the Pahalgam attack remains a pivotal moment in India’s fight against terrorism and its relations with Pakistan. The government’s actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and airspace bans, signal a hardline stance, while international calls for de-escalation underscore the global stakes.Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. For real-time news, follow our social media channels or download our mobile app.Sources: The Hindu, NDTV, Hindustan Times, LiveMint, News18 Hindi, Amar Ujala, The Economic Times, India Today, BBC
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