Jammu and Kashmir news live: 'Overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30," says Vikram Misri

In a move to cut down its diplomatic engagement with Pakistan in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attacks, India on Wednesday announced a series of hard-hitting steps, including the immediate suspension of decades-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

At least 28 people, including two foreign tourists, were killed by a group of terrorists in one of the most deadly attacks on civilians in the Baisaran meadows in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon. Read more

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday night said that the top civilian and military leadership will meet on Thursday to formulate an appropriate response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties.

India on Wednesday suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including expulsion of its military attaches in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Read more

In one of the strongest diplomatic responses in recent times, India on Wednesday discussed Pakistan's role in one of the most gruesome attacks on civilians in South Kashmir's Pahalgam region that claimed at least 28 lives and injured several more.

Addressing the Press, Foreign Secretary, Vikarm Misri, underscored the links that these groups have with the Pakistani deep state and how such elements have acted with their support. In briefing to Cabinet Committee on Security on Pahalgam attack, cross-border linkages of terrorist attack were brought out and the high-powered committee decided to take a series of steps. Read more

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday announced a slew of decisions taken taken at the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by PM Narendra Modi at his residence, which included temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also announced immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at Wagah-Attari border, and suspension of visas for all Pakistani nationals in the country.

Noting that the CCS condemned the terror attack, Misri said "India will be unrelenting in pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible".

"CCS resolved that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account," he added. Read more

An all-party meeting will be convened tomorrow on the terror attack-related situation. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are speaking to all parties: Sources

"The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025," said Misri.

"The CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. It resolved that perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account. As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror or conspired to make them possible," said Misri.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday announced that the CCS meet chaired by PM Modi has decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, immediate shutdown of Wagah-Attari border and cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals.

The key measures taken in PM-led CCS meet are:

1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025.

3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

4) The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India.

5) India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled.

Jammu and Kashmir attack news live: PM Modi tweets after key CCS meet ends

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the outcome of the CCS meet chaired by PM Modi in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Misri announced that the CCS has decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, immediate shut down of Wagah-Atari Border and cancellation of visas to Pakitani nationals.

"On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, with media reporting multiple casualties. Several cities in India remain on high alert as a result of the attack, according to local media. US citizens are reminded that the Department of State has a “Do Not Travel” advisory," US State Department said in its alert.

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Tangmarg area of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, said officials.

Security forces said that a search and cordon operation began after they received information about the presence of ultras in the area. The encounter broke out when the terrorists opened fire on the personnel, they added. Read more

"In history, we have never heard of any attack on tourists. This is a big failure of the government. Since the formation of the government in 2014, not a single year has passed without an incident of terrorism. After the removal of Article 370, they had said that terrorism would end. This is an intelligence failure. The government should take serious action on this. The ones who were killed were Hindus, Muslims, both," said Bharadwaj.

The Resistance Front – a proxy for the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba – has claimed responsibility for the attack. While initial media reports suggested the attack being carried out by five-six terrorists, a report by The Indian Express states that a total of seven terrorists – including four-five from Pakistan – may have opened fire on the tourists at the Baisaran meadow.

The report quoted sources citing eyewitness accounts and intel reports to suggest involvement of at least two local militants in the attack, who are yet to be identified. Read more

Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two terror associates in Bandipora and recovered weapons from them.

Terror attack: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde leaves for Srinagar to expedite process of bringing back state tourists stuck in Kashmir.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that India's response to the heinous Pahalgam terror attack will be "loud and clear", echoing similar remarks by PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah.

Singh also asserted that India will hunt down the perpetrators of the attack as well as those who orchestrated it from behind the scenes.

Defence officials are already seeing Tuesday's attack, which left 26 people dead and several injured, as an "act of war" and a serious escalation in the region, according to a report in CNN-News18. Read more

A day after the horrific terror attack that killed 26 tourist in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, security forces launched a massive counter operation in Jammu and Kashmir, latest media reports say. According to the India Today report, a top commander of The Resistance Front has been cornered in Kulgam. Read more

"Following the Pahalgam attack, Indian security forces have launched a major operation in Kulgam’s Tangmarg area. An encounter is underway after terrorists were reportedly surrounded based on intelligence inputs. Joint security teams have cordoned off the area," DD News reported.

At least 26 people were killed and many others were injured in a terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday evening, with most of the victims being tourists from other states. Being the deadliest strike on civilians in the country since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, this adds to the long string of terror attacks against civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind Tuesday's attack. Read more

PM Modi chairs high-level security meet his residence, a day after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed at least 26 people and injured several others. The Cabinet Committee on Security comprises Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"Vice President called Prime Minister and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour. He expressed that the United States is ready to provide all assistance in the joint fight against terrorism. PM thanked Vice President Vance and President Trump for their messages of support and solidarity," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

"Kashmir, heaven on planet earth turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families . Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai," Salman Khan posted on X.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday issued several measures for passengers coming from Srinagar in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to the information, a control room has been set up at Srinagar Airport to monitor the smooth transition of passengers and facilitate their movement.

The state government and airlines are constantly in contact with each other to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased along with their families to the various destinations of the country.

"We condemn this and express our sympathies to the people who have suffered this shock. Our guests had come from outside to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, they have been sent back home in coffins. As I have heard, he (Adil) tried to stop the attack and perhaps even tried to snatch the gun, and that is when he was targeted. We have to take care of this family, we have to help them and I am here to assure them all that the government stands with them and we will do whatever we can for them," Abdullah said after paying last respects to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed in Pahalgam terror attack.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "All of us are saddened by yesterday's terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. We can't tolerate this. We want the government, Indian forces, and other agencies to take any action needed to make Kashmir terror-free. We all stand together in this fight against terrorism. The government and investigating agencies will be able to tell how these terrorists were able to kill so many people and be there for over 15- 30 minutes. It is not right to do politics on such issues. Our heart goes out to all those who lost their loved ones in the attack."

While addressing the memorial lecture in the Air Force Auditorium, Defence Minister assured that the government will take every step necessary in the view of Pahalgam attack. He said, "... We have a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Each and every citizen of the country is standing united against this cowardly act. From here, I want to assure the people of the country that the government is going to take every step that is necessary and needed in view of this incident (Pahalgam terror attack)." Will catch those who did it, but also those who were behind the curtains conspiring this, he added

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India has a policy of "zero tolerance towards terrorism".

"We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones... I want to repeat India's resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism... I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes... The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country," said Singh.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday asserted the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon hunt down the masterminds of the Pahalgam terror attack and bring them to justice. Talking to reporters here, Fadnavis said it was disgusting that terrorists opened fire at tourists after asking them their religion.

"We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones... I want to repeat India's resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism... I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes... The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country," said Singh.

"All air warriors of the Indian Air Force mourn the loss of Corporal Tage Hailyang in the terror attack at Pahalgam and convey heartfelt condolences to his family in this moment of immense grief. The IAF stands in solidarity with the families of all those who lost their lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured," IAF posted on X.

"Tourists had come here from all over the country and terrorists killed them based on their religion. They were killed because they were Hindus. We had urged the central government yesterday to take immediate action... The Home Minister immediately reached Kashmir and we are hopeful action will be taken soon... The safety and security of all tourists currently in J&K should be ensured... Our forces are ready to give a befitting reply to terrorists," said Khajuria.

In a shocking statement, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband and businessman Robert Vadra on April 23 attributed the barbaric terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows to growing insecurity and disenchantment among the Muslims.

Vadra went on to say that terrorists resorted to checking the IDs and killing as per religious identity “because there is a divide that has come in our country between Hindus and Muslims". Questioning the basic tenets of Indian secularism, Vadra said: "Until and unless we are successful in sending the message that we are a tolerant society, giving equal weightage to all the religions, such a perception will keep emerging from India's border states that the minorities in India are vulnerable." Read more

"I condemn this incident. Such incidents do not raise any issue. It is a cowardly way to raise the issues by attacking civilians...Religion and politics should stay separated. They (terrorists) killed people after checking their IDs, because they think that Muslims are being suppressed. I am completely against this. But, till we are not united and secular, our weaknesses and issues will be more visible to our border countries...Now the people there will be unemployed. The central government should provide assistance to such people," said Vadra.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta paid last respects to Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack yesterday. Earlier, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also paid mark of respect by laying wreath at the mortal remains of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

"Launch of a Special Train from SMVD Katra to New Delhi to assist the stranded passengers and accommodate the extra rush, a special train service has been launched. The tickets shall be available over the counter from Katra, Udhampur and Jammu stations." J&K Information and Public Relations Department posted on X.

Bangladesh condemned terror attack in Pahalgam and extended deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

Global leaders condemned the horrific attack on civilians in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam that left 28 dead and extended their support to India. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences and said those responsible must be held accountable.

"This afternoon, I have spoken to my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer my condolences on behalf of Australia following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The horrific loss of life of innocent civilians is an act of senseless violence which has shocked the world. Those responsible must be held to account. Australia and India are great friends and we stand with India at this difficult time," he posted on X.

Saudi Arabia and UAE also condemned the attack. Earlier, US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK PM Keir Starmer, Italian PM Meloni expressed their condolence on the gruesome attack.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Kashmiris held peaceful protests across the valley in wake of the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 28 civilians. The valley also observed a shutdown and most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar. The officials further reported that private schools were also shut in the region. Additionally, several prominent newspapers in Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the brutal terrorist attack.

J&K CMO announces an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

"Deeply shocked and anguished by the despicable terrorist attack in Pahalgam yesterday. This barbaric and senseless act of brutality against innocent civilians has no place in our society. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the precious lives lost. No amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of loved ones, but as a mark of support and solidarity, the J&K Government announces an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. All arrangements for the dignified transport of the victims back to their homes have been made. The injured are being provided the best medical care. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We share in your grief and stand by you in this dark hour. But terror will never break our resolve, and we will not rest until those behind this barbarity are brought to justice," J&K CMO posted on X.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday morning called the Pahalgam terror attack an intelligence failure and demanded that the government punish those involved in the killings.

"This is an intelligence failure, too. The government has to analyse whether its deterrence policy is successful. This incident is more condemnable than the Uri and Pulwama attacks. The terrorists targeted civilians this time. It is a massacre. We demand from the government that accountability must be fixed in this matter," Owaisi said.

"This was such a cowardly act in which the terrorists made a failed attempt to create an atmosphere of terror in the country. I assure on behalf of my government, that whoever is guilty in this, none of them will be spared. In this hour of grief, I am with the families who lost their loved ones. I assure on behalf of my government and the Prime Minister that a befitting reply will definitely be given to this act," said Paswan.

"Two people from Pune have died in the incident. We are in contact with the administration there. The mortal remains of the two people will reach Maharashtra by the evening...The anti-national forces in the country never liked the peace, harmony and development in the J&K region. PM Modi has said that no one who is responsible for this will be spared," said Mohol.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will convene a special cabinet meeting in the evening today to discuss the deadly terror attack, officials stated.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu today said the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safe and affordable movement of tourists from Srinagar in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

“In the wake of the tragic terror attack, we are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar,” the minister said in a statement.

Kinjarapu added that strict instructions have been issued to airline companies to prevent any surge in ticket prices. “Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels,” he assured.

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it "horrific" and expressing shock over the loss of innocent lives.

In a post on X, President Muizzu said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the tragedy.

“The Government of Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” he wrote.

Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

In a post on on X, Shah stated, "Every Indian feels the pain of losing their loved ones in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This sorrow cannot be expressed in words."

He reassured the families of the victims and the entire nation, promising that the terrorists responsible for the attack will not be spared.

"I assure all these families and the entire nation that these terrorists who killed innocent people will not be spared at all," Shah said.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir questioned the long-term impact of the August 2019 decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that while they were meant to improve the region, their effectiveness should now be critically evaluated.

Mir stated, "The decisions taken on 5 August 2019 were intended to transform J&K for the better. However, nearly six years later, it is crucial to assess whether these decisions have achieved the desired results."

He pointed out the ongoing claims that terrorism in the region had been subdued but stated that the situation on the ground tells a different story.

The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam has also drawn intense scrutiny on Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's provocative speech, in which he referred to Kashmir as the "jugular vein" of Pakistan.

In his charged rhetoric, which touched on the two-nation theory and a civilisational divide between Hindus and Muslims, General Munir delivered a message that was widely criticized in India as incendiary. Find out more.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the terror attack, players and umpires in today’s IPL clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will don black armbands.

The match at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will begin with a minute's silence to honour the 26 people who lost their lives in the horrific incident.

Moneycontrol reports that many tourists have cancelled their travel plans to the Union Territory, and experts are suggesting the terror attack may also result in businesses putting their investments on hold, impacting the gross state domestic product (GSDP) - that had grown above the national average in 2024-25.

The tourism sector's contribution to the state's GSDP is between 7-8 percent. Know more.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan today condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a "cowardly act" by terrorists who attempted to create an atmosphere of fear in the country.

He assured that those responsible for the attack would not be spared, stating, "On behalf of my government, I assure that whoever is guilty in this, none of them will be spared."

Paswan expressed his solidarity with the families of the victims, offering his condolences, and reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of PM Modi, would deliver a "befitting reply" to the attackers.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has confirmed the identities of all 26 individuals who were killed in the brutal terror attack in Baisaran Valley on Tuesday.

Among the deceased are people from various walks of life — including a Bihar excise officer, a techie based in the US hailing from Kolkata, a tourist from Nepal, and a naval officer — underscoring the far-reaching impact of the tragedy.

Check out the full list.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today confirmed the deaths of three residents from the state in the tragic terrorist attack.

Taking to microblogging site X, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the loss of Bitan Adhikari from Baishnabghata, Kolkata, Samir Guha from Sakher Bazar, Kolkata, and Manish Ranjan from Jhalda, Purulia.

Banerjee said the state administration has made necessary arrangements at Delhi Airport to assist the victims' families, ensuring their onward travel to Kolkata.

The special flight carrying the mortal remains is expected to arrive in Kolkata at around 8:30 pm today.

Sources, cited in an ANI report, have dismissed as dangerous the unverified rumours circulating on some TV channels and social media claiming that multiple Intelligence Bureau officers were injured.

They clarified that only one IB official — who was on leave — was tragically killed in front of his family.

These false claims, sources warned, are being exploited by terror groups to justify the brutal killing of innocent tourists.

Cultural programmes for US Vice President JD Vance and his family in Agra have been cancelled following the terror attack.

Vance condemned the attack Tuesday evening, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.

The DGCA, a while ago, issued an advisory to airlines to prevent price hikes and instructed them to waive cancellation charges for affected passengers.

Home Minister Shah is set to visit Baisaran Meadows in Pahalgam, where the horrific terror attack took place on Tuesday afternoon.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has established 24/7 emergency help desks for tourists in Srinagar and Anantnag districts.

Emergency Control Room – Srinagar

>> 0194-2457543

>> 0194-2483651

ADC Srinagar Helpline

>> 7006058623

District Administration – Anantnag Control Room Helplines

>> 01932-222337

>> 7780885759

>> 9697982527

>> 6006365245

Congress MP KC Venugopal and Jammu & Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra also paid their tributes to the victims of the terror attack in Srinagar.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has also strongly condemned the terror attack.

Taking to microblogging site X, Ambassador Xu said, “Shocked by the attack in Pahalgam and condemn. Deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families. Oppose terrorism of all forms.”

Anger and grief spilled onto the streets in Jammu's Satwari area as locals staged a protest this morning against the terror attack.

Security forces have been deployed to ensure law and order in the region amid rising tensions and widespread outrage.

In the wake of the terror attack, SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta said today that tight security arrangements have been made across the district to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident.

"After yesterday's event, we have made tight security arrangements... Since emotions are running high in the wake of the incident, I request everyone to think carefully before saying something that could hurt the sentiments of any community... Everything is peaceful here as of now," Mehta said.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack, calling it a “massacre” and saying it was more condemnable than the Uri and Pulwama attacks, given that it specifically targeted civilians.

Speaking from Hyderabad today, Owaisi said, “We strongly condemn what happened in Pahalgam yesterday and we hope that the government will punish these terrorists. We stand with all the families of those who were killed by the terrorists and wish that those injured recover as soon as possible.”

He added, “This incident is more condemnable than the Uri and Pulwama attacks. The terrorists targeted civilians this time. It is a massacre.”

The first image related to the terror attack has emerged online.

The image, reportedly accessed by News18, shows a man believed to be one of the attackers, seen from behind, clad in a grey kurta, and holding an AK-47 rifle. Check out here.

Security has been significantly heightened in Jammu following the deadly attack.

Markets across Jammu are shut today as part of a collective bandh call given by local traders' bodies and civil society groups in strong condemnation of the violence.

Paramilitary and police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with checkpoints reinforced and surveillance stepped up. The

Reacting strongly to the deadly terror attack, senior advocate Kapil Sibal today called for international legal action against those responsible.

"Those responsible for this should be prosecuted in the International Criminal Court (ICC)," Sibal said, urging the Union Home Minister to take a decisive step: “I urge the Home Minister to proscribe Pakistan as a terrorist state and move the ICC. I am sure the opposition will stand by this.”

The Indian Army’s ALH Dhruv helicopters have been cleared to operate in areas around Srinagar and adjoining regions of Jammu and Kashmir, defence officials announced today.

The deployment comes in the wake of intensified counter-terrorism operations following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

The decision marks the first operational use of the Dhruv choppers in over two months, after they were grounded nationwide following a crash in Porbandar involving Indian Coast Guard personnel.

The helicopters are expected to aid in real-time aerial surveillance, troop movement, and evacuation missions as security forces continue operations, especially in Baramulla, where two terrorists were eliminated in an infiltration bid this morning.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has spoken with Home Minister Shah, Jammu and Kashmir CM Abdullah, and senior Congress leaders from the Union Territory to take stock of the situation.

Calling the attack a “despicable carnage,” Kharge demanded justice for the victims and a united political front to tackle the security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. The innocent victims must get justice,” Kharge said in a post on X.

He added that he had spoken with Shah, Abdullah, and senior J&K Congress leaders late on Tuesday night to understand the situation on the ground.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also strongly condemned the terror attack, calling it an “armed attack” and reiterating that violence against civilians is never justified.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, in which at least 28 people were killed,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement on Tuesday.

Guterres expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and underscored the UN’s consistent stance on the protection of civilians.

“The Secretary-General stresses that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” Dujarric added.

Pahalgam terror attack news live: Nepal PM condemns terror attack, offers support to India

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, today, expressed deep condolences over the terror attack.

Taking to microblogging site X, Oli said, “Deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands firmly with India and strongly condemns any and all acts of terrorism.”

He added that the Nepal government has established close coordination with Indian authorities to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims.

“We will provide all necessary assistance,” Oli said.

On the other hand, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has spoken to Home Minister Shah to coordinate the immediate evacuation of tourists and civilians from the Kashmir Valley.

Naidu’s office, in a statement released this morning, said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the situation round the clock and is closely working with airlines to ensure the availability of flights at stable fares.

“Four additional flights have been arranged from Srinagar — two each to Delhi and Mumbai. Based on demand, we are in constant  touch with airlines to add more flights as needed,” his office said in a statement.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left at least 26 people dead, including tourists and locals.

The terror outfit, which was banned by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in January 2023, has been linked to multiple attacks in the region over recent years.

TRF first surfaced in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

The Indian Army thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The Chinar Corps posted on X, “On 23 Apr 2025, approximately 2-3 unidentified terrorists tried to infiltrate through the general area Sarjeevan at Uri Nala, Baramulla (in north Kashmir).”

Army officials said alert troops deployed along the LoC intercepted the infiltrators, triggering a brief exchange of fire.

In the meantime, Air India and IndiGo have announced four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday to assist stranded passengers.

Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express also announced full refunds and free rescheduling for passengers travelling to and from Srinagar until April 30.

IndiGo confirmed it would also operate two extra flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to support passenger movement.

The terror attack has sent shockwaves across the country and triggered widespread panic among travellers.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, travel agents reported a spike in cancellation requests for hotel bookings and upcoming travel plans to Kashmir, one of India’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the spring and summer seasons.

Many tourists have shelved their vacation plans, citing safety concerns following the deadliest strike in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Meanwhile, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra (including Mumbai) have stepped up security measures at key locations, particularly tourist hubs and sensitive areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, police have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, especially at sites of religious significance.

Security agencies have intensified foot patrols, and random checks on vehicles and individuals are being carried out across cities.

Border checkpoints have also been reinforced to prevent any possible infiltration or movement of suspicious individuals in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.