Jammu and Kashmir News Updates: UN Chief Guterres speaks to EAM Jaishankar, Shehbaz Sharif amid rising tensions; offers mediation

EAM Dr S Jaishankar tweets, "Received a call from United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice."

The District Police Headquarters in Baramulla has strongly refuted social media reports claiming that the mother of martyr Constable Mudasir Ahmad, also known as Bindaas, is being repatriated. Authorities labeled the claims as false, baseless, and completely untrue, urging the public not to believe in misinformation.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held separate conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, according to a UN spokesperson. "The Secretary-General also expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. He offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts," said UN spokesperson, reported Reuters

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Tim Kabba, for the country’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. "Spoke with FM TimKabba of Sierra Leone today. Thank Sierra Leone for their strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Also reviewed our bilateral cooperation," posts EAM S Jaishankar

Amid backlash, Congress party has removed a controversial social media post that featured a headless image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption 'Gayab.' The post sparked strong criticism from BJP leaders, who accused Congress of echoing anti-India sentiments.

India has firmly rejected recent accusations made by Pakistan’s military regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, labeling them as false, fabricated, and part of a deliberate effort to deflect attention from Pakistan’s own history of supporting terrorism. Indian government demanded credible evidence from Islamabad and criticized the attempt to malign India while ignoring Pakistan’s longstanding ties with terror groups.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah extended full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his meeting with top defence and security officials over the Pahalgam terror attack. Abdullah recalled former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement at Pokhran, noting that India would never be the first to use nuclear power but would respond if attacked. “ PM Modi should know what he has to do. India never attacked anyone first. We have only retaliated.,” he said.

Member of the UK House of Lords, Meghnad Jagadishchandra Desai, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it "incredibly cruel" and expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance. "PM Modi has said quite rightly that it is an incredibly cruel attack. India has to react absolutely forcefully and see to it that not only the perpetrators are punished but that it never happens again", he says

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar held separate phone conversations with his counterparts from Slovenia, Panama, Algeria, and Guyana, discussing the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. He conveyed India’s firm stance of “zero tolerance” toward terrorism and thanked the leaders for their solidarity and support. "A warm conversation with FM Hugh Hilton Todd of Guyana today. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations," the external affairs minister said on 'X'. He also expressed appreciation to Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon for condemning the attack and thanked Panama's Javier Martínez and Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf for their messages of support. Jaishankar also noted India’s commitment to its strong bilateral partnerships, expressing interest in future engagements with these nations.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has arrived at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence, where a meeting between the two leaders is currently underway

Jammu Kashmir News Live Updates: J&K Police deployed on special duty as Pakistani nationals via Attari-Wagah Border

PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces and gave complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response, as per a government statement. PM Modi affirmed that it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

During a high-level security meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the armed forces have been granted full operational freedom to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack

Srijit Rameshan, a resident of Pune, revealed that he and his friends had unknowingly captured two of the Pahalgam terror attack suspects on video just days before the incident. "The attack happened on April 22, but we were in the valley on April 18. We were shooting reels there, and two of the suspects passed us. We remembered their faces because they passed through the middle of our video", he said. After the government released suspect sketches, the group revisited their video, recognized the individuals, and promptly alerted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi.

Asavari Jagdale, the daughter of Santosh Jagdale who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for announcing financial aid and a government job for affected families. "I have heard that financial assistance to all affected families and a government job for me has been announced. I thank CM Devendra Fadnavis ji for it...We have not yet overcome what we have gone through. It was an incident which is very difficult to forget; we are still in shock", she says

The National Security Guard (NSG) and local police carried out a coordinated mock security drill at the historic Aap Shambhu temple complex and nearby areas in Jammu. According to officials, the exercise was part of routine preparedness measures. Similar drills have recently been conducted at GMC Hospital and the railway station, with such operations regularly held at key installations to test and strengthen response capabilities.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy says "The whole world and the nation have risen above caste, religions and regions and condemning this Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Government of India is serious about this, and even state governments are supporting."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state cabinet has decided to provide Rs 50 lakh in compensation to the families of those from Maharashtra killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He further stated that in cases where there is no surviving earning member, the government will offer a job to a close family member of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force ahead of  all-important CCS meet to be held tomorrow

A high-level meeting is currently underway at the Home Ministry in Delhi regarding developments related to the Pahalgam terror attack. This meeting includes key officials like Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Directors General of the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and National Security Guard. Senior officers of the Central Reserve Police Force and the Central Industrial Security Force were also present to discuss security related matters and responses.

Jammu Kashmir News Live Updates: RPF conducts flag march, security inspections at Bhubaneswar station

In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Railway Police Force (RPF) conducted a flag march and carried out a comprehensive security check at Bhubaneswar railway station today. The inspection included luggage screening with sniffer dogs to ensure the safety of passengers.

CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami called for collective unity and calm following the Pahalgam terror attack, saying, at the time of such a tragedy, people cutting across religious, political and cultural lines have said that this is a terrorist act and we all together have to face it. He urged the central government to critically examine the security lapses that led to the attack and take effective corrective steps. "If the govt will keep taking such actions (demolition of houses of suspected terrorists allegedly involved in Pahalgam attack) it will only cause more troubles," he adds. Speaking on India suspending Indus Water Treaty  with Pakistan, he says "I think one should act patiently."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government would provide jobs to the families of Maharashtra residents who were killed in the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to call a special session of Parliament to address the Pahalgam terror attack and show a unified resolve. In the letter to the prime minister, Kharge said, "At this moment, when unity and solidarity is essential, the opposition believes that it is important to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament at the earliest.

Reacting strongly to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, RSS leader Indresh Kumar condemned the incident as "shameful, disgusting, and deeply insulting," adding that the brutality of the act defies limits and deserves the strongest possible response. He says,  no amount of condemnation is enough, and those who are directly or indirectly involved in this should be taught a lesson. A voice should be raised in Jammu and Kashmir that we are Hindustani first, then we are Kashmiri, Dogri, Punjabi. We should give a befitting reply with this voice..."

Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the closure of 48 out of its 87 tourist destinations and resorts, citing immediate security concerns. Among the closed sites are well-known attractions such as Yousmarg, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Bangus Valley, Eco Park Khadniyar, Padshapal, and the Cherry Tree Resort. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent further threats and ensure public safety in the wake of heightened tensions across the region. Read more

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, urged the central government to oppose the neighbouring nation’s loan plea to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  The IMF has just announced that its Executive Board is meeting on May 9th, 2025, to consider Pakistan's request for a new $1.3 billion loan under the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The INC expects India to strongly oppose this assistance, said Ramesh. Read more

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), this morning, questioned a zipline operator in Pahalgam after a tourist inadvertently captured the initial moments of the April 22 terror attack on video.

The tourist was filming his zipline ride using a selfie stick when the deadly assault began in the Baisaran Valley below.

In the 53-second clip, which has since gone viral on social media, Bhatt is seen mid-air as chaos erupts on the ground. Learn more.

Amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army today carried out a joint exercise with the Armed Police Forces.

The drill was designed to enhance preparedness across diverse security challenges, reflecting a strong message of operational synergy and inter-agency coordination. Read more.

The Centre has ordered the withholding of the YouTube channel ‘4 PM’ in India, citing concerns related to national security and public order, as per a News18 report.

The action comes amid reports that the channel had been uploading videos pertaining to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Reacting to former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi’s comment following the Pahalgam terror attack, BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain remarked this morning, “Shahid Afridi is a big joker. No one takes him seriously. He may have been a cricketer, but he openly supports Pakistani terrorists. Afridi and his country will get a fitting response for whatever he has said.”

In Patna, responding to the opposition's demand for a special Parliament session over the Pahalgam terror attack, JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said today, “Whatever decision is taken in mutual consultation with all NDA allies, JD(U) will stand by it. We have always supported collective decisions in the NDA, and we will continue to do so. Our stand is clear—we are committed to whatever is decided with consensus within the alliance.”

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavisas h announced a financial assistance of rs 50 lakh for each of the families from the state who lost their loved ones in the Pahalgam terror attack.

In addition to the compensation, the Maharashtra government will extend support for the education and employment needs of the affected families.

A member of the Jagdale family, which lost a daughter in the attack, will be offered a government job, officials said today.

"The state stands firmly with the grieving families in this moment of pain. We will ensure long-term support, not just financial but also in terms of livelihood and education," Fadnavis said.

Rahul Gandhi will visit Kanpur tomorrow to meet the family of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the 26 victims of the April 22 terror attack.

“After completing his Raebareli and Amethi visit, Rahul ji would visit Shubham's family in Kanpur,” Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai told PTI today.

PM Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) tomorrow, the second such high-level review since the April 21 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Union Ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, are expected to attend the meeting.

The CCS is likely to take stock of the security situation in the Valley and evaluate the current counter-terror measures.

With the summer tourist season approaching and Amarnath Yatra preparations underway, the government is expected to focus on strengthening intelligence inputs, enhancing coordination among security forces, and reviewing deployment strategies in sensitive areas.

Intensified counter-terror operations are currently underway across multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, top sources told ANI this morning.

However, no specific details have been officially released so far due to operational sensitivities.

Meanwhile, amid heightened tensions following New Delhi's decision to freeze the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has issued a stern warning.

"The waters of the Indus River System are the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. Any attempt to manipulate or weaponise water is unacceptable and will be resisted,” Dar said, underscoring Islamabad’s position on the critical issue.

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, Dar added, “We must leave no stone unturned. Water security is national security.” He further asserted that Pakistan would continue to press for the “full and effective implementation” of the treaty at all international forums.

Following discussions with several opposition leaders, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have written to PM Modi, urging him to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament to discuss the recent ghastly attack.

Speaking on the development, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "We held consultations with several opposition leaders, after which the Congress President and LoP wrote to the Prime Minister last night. This is a time to demonstrate unity and show the world that India stands together against terrorism. We hope the Prime Minister will accept this request and be present for the sessions."

In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has temporarily closed 48 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley as it ramps up anti-terror operations in the Union Territory.

The move affects locations that are either directly involved in ongoing search operations or are considered vulnerable to potential threats.

Of the 87 designated tourist spots in the region, these 48 will remain off-limits to visitors until further notice.

The Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 11 am on Wednesday at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

The meeting is likely to see the adoption of a resolution mourning the deaths of the 26 civilians killed in the April 22 attack.