India’s Resolute Response: Stringent Actions Following the Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, were shattered by a barbaric terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 28 people, mostly tourists, and left several others injured. The meticulously planned assault, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted non-Muslim visitors in a chilling display of communal violence. Described as one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, the Pahalgam massacre sent shockwaves across India and the world, prompting the Indian government to unleash a swift and multifaceted response aimed at delivering justice, bolstering security, and sending a clear message to the perpetrators and their sponsors.
A Nation United in Grief and Resolve
The attack, which saw militants in military-style uniforms open fire on unsuspecting tourists after identifying them by faith, was condemned as an assault not only on innocent lives but also on India’s sovereignty and the spirit of Kashmiriyat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his state visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to Delhi on April 23 to chair a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). In a statement that resonated with steely determination, Modi vowed, “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this resolve, assuring the nation that the government would target not only the perpetrators but also the “actors behind the scenes.” Speaking at an event, Singh emphasized, “The accused will soon see a loud and clear response,” signaling a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who rushed to Srinagar to oversee operations, reviewed the attack site and met with top security officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to rooting out terrorism.
Immediate Security Measures and Counter-Terrorism Operations
In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government launched a robust security response to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further violence. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a massive cordon-and-search operation in the Baisaran area, deploying helicopters to locate the attackers who had fled the scene. Concurrently, the Army foiled an infiltration bid in Baramulla, eliminating two terrorists in a fierce firefight, signaling heightened vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC).
Security was beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir, with the region placed on high alert. Checkpoints were established, and streets in the usually bustling tourist hub of Pahalgam turned deserted as forces combed the area. The government also directed the Delhi Police to monitor tourist spots and key locations closely, reflecting a nationwide effort to safeguard civilians. Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv units were authorized to conduct aerial surveillance around Srinagar and adjoining areas, enhancing counter-terrorism operations.
Diplomatic and Economic Retaliation
The Indian government’s response extended beyond military measures, with unverified reports on social media platforms suggesting bold diplomatic and economic actions. Posts on X claimed that India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari border, canceled visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelled Pakistan’s defense attaché from the High Commission in New Delhi. While these claims remain unconfirmed by official sources, they reflect the public’s demand for a strong retaliatory stance against Pakistan, widely suspected of orchestrating the attack through its military and intelligence apparatus.
Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal called for the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that “blood and water cannot go together.” Such measures, if implemented, would mark a significant escalation in India’s diplomatic strategy, aimed at imposing economic costs on Pakistan and signaling the collapse of the fragile 2021 LoC ceasefire.
Humanitarian and Economic Support for Victims
The government moved swiftly to support the victims and their families. The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of those killed, ensuring financial assistance for the bereaved. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pledged to care for the family of a local laborer who died attempting to confront the attackers, highlighting the state’s commitment to its citizens.
To address the immediate needs of stranded tourists, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory urging airlines to increase flights to and from Srinagar, waive cancellation fees, and avoid surge pricing. States like Karnataka and Punjab arranged special flights to evacuate their residents, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah coordinating the safe return of over 40 Kannadigas. These measures underscored the government’s focus on restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of visitors.
Political Unity and Calls for Accountability
The attack galvanized political leaders across party lines, with figures like Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemning the violence and urging accountability. Gandhi, while expressing solidarity, criticized the government’s claims of normalcy in Kashmir post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, demanding concrete steps to prevent future attacks. Mufti called for a thorough investigation into potential security lapses, emphasizing the need to protect Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy.
Protests erupted nationwide, with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and BJP supporters rallying in cities like Kolkata and Jammu, demanding stern action against the perpetrators. The outrage was palpable, with citizens and leaders alike calling for a response that would deter future attacks and restore confidence in the region’s security.
A Strategic Shift in Counter-Terrorism
The Pahalgam attack, with its scale and communal targeting, has been likened to Israel’s October 7 tragedy, prompting calls for a bold and decisive response. Analysts suggest that India may draw from its past retaliatory playbook, such as the 2016 Uri surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, but the unique nature of this attack—targeting civilians and tourists—demands a broader strategy. Options under consideration include localized cross-LoC operations, precision strikes against high-value targets, and even economic measures like a naval blockade to choke Pakistan’s trade routes.
The attack’s timing, coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s provocative rhetoric, has fueled speculation of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region. Indian intelligence points to Munir’s speeches, which branded Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” as ideological backing for the attack, raising concerns about Pakistan’s military establishment’s role.
Restoring Faith in Kashmir
The Pahalgam attack struck at the heart of Kashmir’s tourism industry, which contributes nearly 7% to the region’s GDP and has seen a resurgence with 3.5 million visitors in 2024. The government’s response, therefore, extends beyond immediate security measures to rebuilding trust among tourists. Enhanced intelligence, community engagement, and infrastructure support for local stakeholders are likely to form the backbone of long-term efforts to secure the Valley.
As India mourns the lives lost in Pahalgam, the government’s actions reflect a nation unwilling to bow to terror. From military operations and diplomatic maneuvers to humanitarian aid and political unity, the response is a testament to India’s resolve to protect its people and preserve the sanctity of Kashmir. The road ahead will test the nation’s strategic patience, but as Defence Minister Singh aptly stated, the perpetrators and their masterminds will face a response that is both loud and clear. The Pahalgam attack may have scarred the Valley, but it has also ignited a fire of determination to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.