What Happened?
Contents
- A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, claimed 26 lives and injured dozens.
- The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
India’s Response
- Border Closed: India shut a major border crossing with Pakistan and imposed restrictions on a special visa program.
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s inaction on terrorism as justification.
- National Mourning & Vigils: Vigils and protests were held in Srinagar; Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians held a moment of silence during an IPL match.
- Political Response: PM Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Several key leaders, including Modi and Rahul Gandhi, cut short foreign visits to return for urgent meetings.
- Security Crackdown: A massive manhunt has been launched in Kashmir to track down the perpetrators.
Pakistan’s Reaction
- No Official Statement Yet from the government on India’s allegations.
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of using the attack as an excuse to exit the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss the situation and prepare a comprehensive response.
Global Reactions on Pahalgam Terror Attack
- USA: President Trump expressed full support for India and condemned terrorism.
- France: President Macron called the attack “heinous” and extended condolences.
- UK: PM Starmer described the attack as “utterly devastating.”
- Qatar & China also condemned the attack and sent condolences.
In Focus: The Resistance Front (TRF)
- Emerged in 2019, widely seen as a proxy for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Operates in Kashmir and has been linked to several past attacks.
