Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: Pakistan's account on 'X' withheld in India

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Pakistan's account on 'X' withheld in India, ANI reports.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Encounter has broken out between security forces and terrorists in the Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur, J&K Police said in a statement.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has come down heavily on Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack case, that left 26 tourists dead and several injured, demanding that the United States should formally designate Pakistan as a “state sponsor of terror”. He also demanded that Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir be declared a “terrorist”. Click here to read more

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Employees who are engaged under the PM Package have been asked to work from home till April 27, orders the Chief Education Officer, Baramulla, J&K.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Following the horrific Pahalgam attack, India has ordered the immediate closure of the Integrated Checkpost at Attari. Here are some visuals from the Attari border after India decision

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Hours after attack in Pahalgam, that killed 26, Canada PM Mark Carney said, ‘I am horrified by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a senseless and shocking act of violence that has killed and injured innocent civilians and tourists. Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.’

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The 5 major decisions India took in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack

1. India stated on Wednesday that Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance.
2. Integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect, India said. Those who recently crossed the Attari border are asked to leave through the same before May 1, 2025.
3. No Pakistani national will now be allowed to travel to India under SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India.
4. Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata (Latin phrase for unwelcome person) and asked to leave the country in a week. 
5. India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the kin of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Two residents of Andhra Pradesh, a retired bank employee, JS Chandramouli and an IT professional, Madhusudan from Kavali, were among 26 who were killed in Pahalgam.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The mortal remains of the Pahalgam terror attack victims have reached their native places.

A wreath-laying ceremony took place in Kerala’s Kochi to honour N Ramachandran, who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and Congress leader; Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala BJP President, and others paid their respects.

The event was attended by the victim’s family, close friends, and relatives.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu after paying tribute to J C Chandra Mouli, one of the 26 tourists shot dead, in the Pahalgam terror attack said: "All of us should stand unified, with one word. We should not only extend support to every programme of the Prime Minister but also give complete cooperation. We should also be vigilant against infiltrators."

The attack could be a conspiracy, considering that India is poised to emerge as the fastest growing country by 2028, he said. "That is why some forces are trying to create instability. India is against terrorism internally and externally but some countries are not supporting our efforts," he said.

Naidu called the Pahalgam attack "one of the most sorrowful incidents that shocked the entire India and moved the world".

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri on CCS meeting decisions, said, "I wholeheartedly condemn this cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam. The way this terrorist attack has been carried out, the cruel manner, is unheard of. It shows that this was a plan to create a communal divide in India. The CCS has met under the chairmanship of PM Modi and they have taken some important decisions. The first decision has been to suspend the Indus Water Treaty. It is a good decision because Pakistan has been taking undue advantage of India."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reached Lucknow airport to receive the mortal remains of Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi.

Shubham Dwivedi was a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Another victim, Sandeep, was from Nepal.

Brajesh Pathak says, "The mortal remains of Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur and Nepal's Sandeep have arrived at Lucknow airport. They will be taken to their homes now. Those behind the cowardly terror attack in Kashmir will not be spared."

NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule says, "We request that the central government show zero tolerance against terrorism. We all Indians are together, and if anyone dares to do this against India, then we will fight together for the security of India."

"I met many of our stranded tourists—tired, anxious, but resilient. It was heartening to see their spirits lift just by knowing that their government is with them, on the ground. I’m here not just as Deputy CM, but as a fellow Maharashtrian—to stand by them, reassure them, and personally coordinate their safe return home. Also proud to note the outstanding work done by the team of Dr. Shrikant Shinde in these critical hours—coordinating logistics, providing emotional support, and ensuring every individual felt cared for. We will bring everyone home—with care, dignity, and the full strength of our government behind them," posts Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

"The barbaric attack in Pahalgam has stolen the lives of newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy. Our hearts break for them. To those mourning - know that the UK stands with you in sorrow and solidarity. Terror will never win. We grieve with India," posts former PM of the UK Rishi Sunak.

The People's Conference chief, Sajad Lone, led a candlelight vigil in Kashmir to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Lone described the entire region of Kashmir as "shedding tears of blood" in response to the attack, indicating the profound grief felt by the community.

Lone called the Pahalgam terror attack "the gravest in the past 30 years," emphasising its severity.

Lone expressed deep sorrow over the victims, stating that the tourists who were killed were considered part of Kashmir’s heart.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote on X: "Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi has cut short his US visit and will be attending in person the CWC meeting in New Delhi tomorrow at 10:30 AM"

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X: "The decisions of the #CCS, following the horrific terrorist attack on Hindus, has set the stage for a decisive response against Pakistan and its puppets. Bharat is confident that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, JUSTICE will be DELIVERED."

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: A wave of protests swept Jammu and Kashmir and other states on Wednesday against the Pahalgam massacre, with political parties as well as religious and social organisations asserting that such acts were against Islamic teachings and calling for unity in the face of the challenge posed by terrorists and their backers.

In Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party held a candlelight vigil at Jantar Mantar while the Congress' youth wing held a candle march at its Raisina Road office. Several traders' associations across the national capital also joined in the condemnation, holding protests with black ribbons tied around their arms. They announced a Delhi Bandh on April 25 and held a candlelight march.

Members of the Muslim Students Federation took part in a candlelight vigil to pay respects and demand justice for the victims of the terror attack, at Jantar Mantar. 

Kashmir observed a shutdown against the terror act in the Valley for the first time in 35 years as political parties, cutting across ideological differences, denounced the killings.

The Jammu region also witnessed massive anti-Pakistan protests where the participants burnt effigies and raised slogans demanding a fitting reply to the neighbouring country.

The Punjab units of BJP and Congress held separate protests in Chandigarh.

In Uttar Pradesh, several organisations including Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and AIMIM took out protest marches, a PTI report said. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The Telangana government on Wednesday set up a dedicated helpline at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to support and address concerns of residents from the state, if any are found to be affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. 

As of now, there are no reports of anyone from Telangana being injured, missing, or killed in the incident.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of Gujarati tourists killed in the terrorist attack on Tuesday. 

“The Gujarat government stands with full sympathy for the families of the victims of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The state government will provide ₹5 lakh assistance to the families of the Gujarati tourists who lost their lives in this attack and ₹50,000 assistance to the injured tourists from the state,” Patel said in a post on X. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: 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, according to a PTI report.

"A session of the National Security Committee will be held under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif," Asif said in a statement. He added that decisions will be taken to give "an appropriate response to the Indian steps".

All services chiefs and key cabinet ministers would attend the meeting. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Thousands of people on Wednesday evening attended the last rites of the three residents of Dombivli in Maharashtra's Thane district who were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The mortal remains of Sanjay Lele (50), Hemant Joshi (45) and Atul Mone (43), who were cousins, were flown to Mumbai earlier in the day. The bodies were taken to the Shiv Mandir Road crematorium around 9 pm on flower-decked vehicles, accompanied by a massive procession. 

In neighbouring Navi Mumbai, the mortal remains of Dilip Desale (64), another victim of Tuesday's attack, were cremated at Podi village in New Panvel.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Muslim World League Secretary General, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. Al-Issa strongly condemned the "ghastly terror attack" in Jammu and Kashmir and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost.

In a statement from the General Secretariat, the MWL affirmed its stance – “and that of the entire Islamic world – rejecting and condemning violence and terrorism in all its forms and justifications, and rejecting any attempt to associate such actions with any religion or culture”. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The mortal remains of Sushil Nathaniel, one of the tourists killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was brought to Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night. 

Nathaniel (58), a resident of Indore who had gone to Jammu and Kashmir with his wife, daughter and son to celebrate Easter, was among the 26 people killed in the terror attack on Tuesday. His body was brought to Indore in an aircraft from Kashmir around 9 pm.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday evening under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The CCS was briefed in detail on the Tuesday's terrorist attack 

The CCS condemned the attack and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

The cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out during the briefing to the CCS. It was also noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The CCS has decided upon the following measures:

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.

The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025.

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.

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, and will come in effect by May 1, 2025.

The CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: 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, an ANI report said on Wednesday, quoting sources.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Initial investigations into the terror attack in Pahalgam indicate that the number of terrorists involved could range from five to seven, aided by at least two local militants who received training in Pakistan, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the officials piecing together the available evidence, the role of Aadil Thokar alias Aadil Guree, a resident of Bijbehara, has emerged based on identification by the wife of one of the deceased tourists, a PTI report said. 

The probe suggests that while four terrorists lined up the tourists at the Baisaran meadows on Tuesday before firing at them from a point-blank range, at least one to three terrorists were strategically positioned to maintain watch for any approaching security forces.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The Anantnag Police on Wednesday announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh to anyone providing information “leading to the neutralisation of the terrorists involved in this cowardly attack,” it said in a post on X. 

“Identity of the informer shall be kept strictly secret,” it added. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Reciting 'Kalma' saved the life of Assam University Professor Debasish Bhattacharya by a whisker from the terrorists' bullets in Pahalgam where he was holidaying with his family.

Bhattacharya, who teaches Bengali at Silchar's Assam University, was at Baisaran meadows when the gun-totting terrorists started targeting tourists at the spot.

He said the people around him crouched on the ground and started reciting the 'Kalma', a declaration of faith that forms the core beliefs of Muslims.

"So I also followed them. A terrorist walked up to us and shot the man next to me. Then he looked at me and asked what I was doing. I just recited the Kalma louder and did not reply to his question. I don't know what happened, he just turned around and left," Bhattacharya told PTI.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: In a big crackdown, security forces on Wednesday detained several people in Jammu and Kashmir for questioning. Around 1,500 have been taken into preventive detention, reported several media outlets, quoting sources.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Three tourists from Karnataka died in the attack on Tuesday, an ANI report quoting the Chief Minister's Office, said.  

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Authorities in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday directed PM Package employees and Jammu-based reserved category employees to work from home for one week.

Most of the employees under PM Package are migrant Kashmiri Pandits while Jammu-based reserved category employees either belong to Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs), a PTI report said. 
 

"All employees engaged under PM Package and all Jammu-based reserved category employees are hereby directed to work from home for the duration of this week (up to April 27) with immediate effect," an order issued by Chief Education Officer, Baramulla, on Wednesday reads.

The order is believed to have been issued as a precautionary measure in the wake of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, the report added. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: There was hardly a dry eye as Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal's wife Himanshi bid adieu to him embracing his coffin wrapped in the tricolour. Married on April 16, the couple was on their honeymoon trip to Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam when terrorists killed the officer in cold blood in front of his wife.

"Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way," said Himanshi, who hails from Gurugram and is pursuing a PhD.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: According to Prashant Nathani, relative of Yatish Parmar, his brother-in-law and nephew went to Jammu and Kashmir on April 16 and were supposed to stay there for 15 days. Yatish Parmar and his son were among the 25 tourists killed in the attack on Tuesday. 

“There was a terrorist attack and both my brother-in-law and nephew became victims of it. They left from here on 16th April and were supposed to stay there for 15 days. As soon as they went out for sightseeing, terrorists caught them and shot them outside the hotel,” Nathani told ANI.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday left for Srinagar to expedite the process of bringing back state tourists stuck in Kashmir, an official said. 

Several tourists from the state are stuck in the Union Territory after the terror attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir on Tuesday, according to a PTI report. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The mortal remains of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, were brought to his residence in Karnal for the last rites on Wednesday.

The young officer had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Cargo Terminal in Delhi before his mortal remains were sent to his hometown in Karnal.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: A gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, officials told PTI in Srinagar.

No casualties have been reported in the exchange of fire so far, the officials said adding further details were awaited. 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and others officials are present, according to PTI. 
 

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The Indian Railways have set up a help desk at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station for tourists who are planning to return to their destinations following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

A special train from SMVD Katra to New Delhi is being run to assist the passengers and accommodate the extra rush.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has commenced. The high-level meeting is likely to discuss the recent security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, sources told ANI.

The Cabinet Committee on Security discusses and debates defence policy, expenditure, and all matters of national security for India. It is the highest decision-making body for appointing heads of national security agencies, as well.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, affirming its “firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targetting of civilians”.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited a hospital in Anantnag to enquire about the condition of the persons injured in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Shah, who visited the scene of the gruesome killings at Baisaran in the morning, arrived at the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital this afternoon, officials said.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Grandparents of the 27-year-old Sudip Neupane told ANI  that Sudip, along with his mother, sister and brother-in-law, was attacked by terrorists while they were Pahalgam, when the terrorists opened fire, claiming Sudip's life.

"They were there on vacation. The mother, son, daughter and in-law are safe, he got shot and killed," 89-year-old Khemananda Neupane told ANI as she sat on the bench outside the home where Sudip had grown up in Rupandehi district.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The Jammu region witnessed massive anti-Pakistan protests staged by political parties, socio-political and religious organisations on Wednesday, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. 

The protesters burnt effigies of Pakistan and raised slogans demanding that a fitting reply be given to the neighbouring country and terrorists. Congress workers clashed with police while seeking permission to take out a protest march in the city.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that the perpetrators behind the gruesome terror attack will see a loud and clear response.

“Yesterday, in Pahalgam, targeting a particular religion, terrorists executed a cowardly act, in which we lost many innocent lives. I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step,” said Rajnath Singh.

"The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country," he added. READ MORE