The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its probe into the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 tourists dead, including a Nepali citizen, and over three dozen others injured. The attack occurred on April 22, 2025, around 2 PM at the scenic Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination.
Since April 23, NIA teams, led by senior officials including an Inspector General, a Deputy Inspector General, and a Superintendent of Police, have been stationed at the attack site. They are meticulously questioning eyewitnesses who witnessed the attack unfold, aiming to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident. "The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir," the NIA stated.
The investigation is focused not only on gathering testimonies but also on scrutinizing entry and exit points for clues regarding the terrorists' modus operandi. The NIA teams are working alongside forensic experts to thoroughly examine the area for evidence that could expose the conspiracy behind the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on April 27, expressing his outrage at the attack. He stated, "The terrorists and their patrons want Kashmir to be destroyed again; that is why such a big conspiracy was hatched." Modi emphasized the need for a strong response, promising that the perpetrators would face the harshest consequences. "I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack," he added during his monthly radio broadcast, 'Mann Ki Baat'.
In the wake of the attack, security forces have demolished the homes of ten identified terrorists across Jammu and Kashmir, including the residence of Adil Hussain Thokar, one of the attackers involved in the incident. This crackdown reflects a broader strategy to combat terrorism in the region.
As part of the government's response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that all Pakistani nationals in the state have been accounted for, and arrangements are being made for their deportation, dismissing reports of missing individuals. "No Pakistani national is missing in Maharashtra, and all of them have been found. Arrangements have been made to deport them all," he confirmed.
Additionally, a wave of arrests has swept through northeastern states, with at least 19 individuals detained for making remarks about the Pahalgam attack, including an MLA, a journalist, and several students and retired teachers. Most arrests were related to social media posts deemed inflammatory.
In solidarity with the victims, markets in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were closed on April 27, 2025, as a gesture of mourning. This demonstration of support underscores the national outrage following the attack.
Amid escalating tensions, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his opposition to war with Pakistan, advocating instead for enhanced security in Kashmir to ensure peace. He stated, "We are not in favour of war. An environment should be created where people can live peacefully." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to expedite the identification and deportation of Pakistani citizens residing in the state.
On the international front, the United Nations Security Council condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling for accountability for those responsible. The UNSC emphasized the need for cooperation among states to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Pahalgam attack has not only heightened security concerns but also reignited discussions about India's relationship with Pakistan. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly called for a complete severance of cricketing ties with Pakistan, stating that "strict action is necessary" in light of repeated terrorist incidents.
As the situation develops, Iran has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated, "India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. We consider them our foremost priority." Saudi Arabia has also expressed its desire to help defuse the situation.
The aftermath of the attack has left many families devastated. The wife of victim Shubham Dwivedi shared her grief, saying, "His face was disfigured and the family members did not get the chance to see his face." She urged the government to recognize her husband as a martyr, highlighting the need to remember the victims of such atrocities.
As tensions remain high, the Indian government is taking significant steps to address the threat of terrorism. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was announced as part of a series of retaliatory measures following the Pahalgam attack, with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil asserting that not even a "drop of water" from the Indus River will flow to Pakistan.
In a related incident, Pakistani nationals returning home from India expressed their frustration over the consequences of the attack. One woman stated, "We had come here on a one and half a month visa to attend a relative's wedding, and are returning within 15 days... Whatever happened was wrong. Someone else did this act and people like us have to pay for it."
As the investigation continues and the nation mourns, the Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the region. The collective response from the government, security forces, and citizens reflects a determination to confront terrorism and seek justice for the victims.
