Pahalgam Terror Attack: Protests Erupt Across India, Military Tensions Escalate
Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 innocent civilians lost their lives, protests and candlelight marches have been taking place across India. Meanwhile, there have been reports of firing from Pakistani military posts along the Line of Control (LoC). The attack, which occurred at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, shocked the nation.
Destruction of Terrorists’ Homes
Overnight, the homes of two terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, who were involved in the attack, were destroyed. This action followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong statement, where he vowed to track down and punish the gunmen responsible. Modi emphasized that India would not rest until every terrorist and their supporters were held accountable. He stated, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backer. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.”
India’s Retaliatory Measures
In response to the attack, the Indian government has announced a series of tough countermeasures against Pakistan. One of the major actions includes suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The announcement has escalated tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Warning and Internal Security Measures
On the Pakistani side, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee, which included top military officials, such as Army Chief General Asim Munir. Sharif warned that any attempt by India to halt the flow of water from the Indus River would be considered an “act of war.”
In India, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the site of the attack in Baisaran, meeting with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor to review the security situation in the region.
Reactions from Indian Political Leaders
At an all-party meeting following the attack, TDP Parliamentary leader and MP Lavu Krishna Devarayalu strongly condemned the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two people from Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized that Pakistan and the terrorist organizations that support it would face serious consequences. He also expressed unanimous support for the Indian government’s stance against terrorism, highlighting the nation’s collective resolve to take strong action.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also instructed all state chief ministers to identify and deport any Pakistani nationals living in India, following widespread anger against Pakistan for allegedly supporting terrorist activities.
India’s Proof of Pakistan’s Involvement
India has stated that it has concrete evidence linking Pakistan to the planning and execution of the Pahalgam terror attack, further complicating the diplomatic situation between the two countries.
Security Measures in Jammu and Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Kumar Sinha, along with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior military officials, reviewed the security measures in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor expressed full confidence in the bravery of the Indian Army, police, and CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), urging them to work together to track down those responsible for the attack. He emphasized that every individual involved in the attack, regardless of their location, must be found and held accountable for their actions.
Human Rights Commission’s Condemnation
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the Pahalgam attack, which it described as a violation of human rights. The NHRC expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives and emphasized the need for swift action against those responsible for such acts of terror. The commission also called for a global effort to hold those who support terrorism accountable, warning that failure to act could lead to further violations of human rights.
Opposition’s Response
The Opposition parties in India have raised concerns about the security situation surrounding the Pahalgam attack. During an all-party meeting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders questioned the absence of security forces at the Baisaran area, which was the site of the attack. They asked why security personnel were not present to protect the civilians.
In response, the government explained that the area is typically secured ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins in June. Security forces are deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims along the route, but the area is not typically under heavy security during other times of the year.