Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading a critical meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The meeting aims to strategize India’s response to the attack, which has shocked the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has already issued a stern warning, emphasized that India’s retaliation will be swift and appropriate. “Those responsible will face the consequences,” he said earlier in the day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in Srinagar earlier, joined the CCS meeting upon returning to Delhi. The session is also being attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other top officials. As he did yesterday, Mr. Doval briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation in the Valley.
Nation in shock after Pahalgam attack
The brutal attack occurred last evening in the Baisaran meadows, a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam. Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists asked victims to identify their religion before shooting the men at point-blank range.
The assault resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including tourists from 14 Indian states and two foreign nationals, marking it as the deadliest terror strike in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack has triggered nationwide outrage and calls for a strong retaliatory response.
ALSO READ: 5 Pakistan nationals among 7 terrorists behind Pahalgam terror attack, initial probe says
Government assures the nation of appropriate action
In a powerful statement earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the nation of a decisive response: “The Government of India will take all necessary and appropriate actions. We will not only go after the perpetrators but also those who orchestrated this act from behind the scenes.”
Prime Minister Modi, who returned to Delhi early this morning after cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack in a heartfelt message on X. “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Their evil agenda will fail. Our resolve to combat terrorism is unwavering,” he wrote.
ALSO READ: ‘Not time for partisan politics’: Congress-led Opposition show unity to govt efforts after Pahalgam terror attack
India’s Past responses to major terror attacks in Kashmir
India has responded with force in the past to major terror attacks — such as the surgical strikes following the Uri attack and air strikes post-Pulwama. Both Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar have reiterated that India’s security doctrine allows cross-border retaliation when necessary.
Mr. Jaishankar underscored this stance, stating, “India has made it absolutely clear: if you carry out attacks here, regardless of whether you are across the Line of Control or the international border, we will find you and respond accordingly.”
