India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday, shortening his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia following a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Originally scheduled to return late Wednesday night, the Prime Minister departed from Jeddah late Tuesday, foregoing a scheduled state dinner with Saudi officials. His early return underscores the gravity of the situation in the Kashmir Valley, where a deadly assault claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including civilians and tourists.
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Terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir
The terror strike occurred in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam often referred to as “mini Switzerland.” At approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesday, armed militants dressed in combat gear opened fire indiscriminately on a group of tourists. The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility. Intelligence agencies believe the attackers, numbering between five and six, included foreign militants who recently infiltrated Indian territory. Preliminary findings suggest the attack was meticulously planned, with careful observation carried out in advance.
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Modi avoids Pakistani airspace
As Prime Minister Modi flew back to India aboard Air India One, the aircraft notably avoided Pakistani airspace. Flight path data revealed a detour over the Arabian Sea before entering Indian airspace via Gujarat, marking a departure from the route taken to Riyadh, which had traversed Pakistani territory. The strategic decision is being viewed as a diplomatic signal amid heightened tensions following the terror incident. Additionally, In a post on X, PM Modi warned that the attackers will be punished. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” he said. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he added.
Emergency meeting in New Delhi
Upon arrival in New Delhi, the Prime Minister convened an emergency high-level meeting. Among the attendees were External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. The meeting focused on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the immediate steps required to respond to the attack. Additionally, security agencies suspect Saifullah Kasuri, deputy chief of LeT and close associate of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, to be the mastermind behind the attack. The involvement of Pakistani nationals further escalates tensions between the two countries. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as one of the most severe attacks targeting civilians recently, adding that the final casualty count is still being confirmed.
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Government response and action taken
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had briefed PM Modi prior to his departure from Saudi Arabia, was directed to visit the attack site. He is currently in Srinagar, assessing the on-ground situation. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi condemned the attack in strong terms, offering condolences to the families of the victims and promising that those responsible would be held accountable. “Our fight against terrorism is unyielding,” he declared. India has taken significant diplomatic steps in response. The Pakistan High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires was summoned in New Delhi, and a formal protest note was handed over. Additionally, India has declared several Pakistani military diplomats ‘persona non grata’ and announced a temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical bilateral water-sharing agreement.
