One Month After Pahalgam Attack: India Strikes Terror with Iron Resolve

National News: On 22 April 2025, a barbaric terror attack in the Basaron Valley, located in the beautiful Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, shook the country and the world. In this deadly incident, 26 innocent people lost their lives, mostly tourists. The attacking terrorists were associated with The Resistance Front (TRF) and targeted non-Muslims by asking tourists their religious identity. The attack was considered the most dangerous attack on citizens in the country after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

India's immediate and strong reaction

Soon after the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the country's security system by canceling his trip to Saudi Arabia. Home Minister Amit Shah was immediately sent to Srinagar to review the situation. Many strict decisions were taken in the Cabinet Security Committee (CCS) meeting held on 23 April, including:

• Suspension of Indus Water Treaty indefinitely: India kept this important water treaty of 1960 suspended until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism across the border.
• Closing the Attari-Wagah border: The only ground trade route between India and Pakistan was closed.
• Visas of Pakistani citizens canceled: All Pakistani citizens were banned from coming to India.
• Diplomatic Diplomacy: Military advisors of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were expelled, and the number of Indian Embassy employees in Islamabad was reduced.

Operation Sindoor: Big military attack on terrorists

On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched a major military campaign called "Operation Sindoor." In this operation, nine terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) were targeted. Five major terrorists were killed while attacking the training camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, including the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar. The Ministry of Defense clarified that prevention of civil casualties was given priority during the operation.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, "This campaign is to convey the message to the terrorists that no matter where they hide, the Indian Army will find them and punish them."

Pakistan's retaliation and struggle

After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan tried drone attacks and airstrikes on various military bases and border cities in India, including Jammu, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, and Jaisalmer. Indian air defense successfully stopped these attacks and dropped several drones and fighter aircraft. In response, India destroyed six airbases and military establishments of Pakistan.

Pakistan accused India of attacking civil areas and claimed the death of 31 citizens, which India completely rejected.

Ceasefire and arbitration

On 10 May 2025, the ceasefire was announced after talks on the hotline between the military officials of the two countries. The then US President Donald Trump claimed to play the role of mediator, although India clarified that it was possible only with the consent of the two countries.

National and international reaction
The Pahalgam attack created deep resentment and solidarity across India. There were widespread protests in Kashmir for the first time in thirty years; candle marches were taken out, and voices were raised against terrorism. Opposition parties also supported the government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We are standing in full solidarity with the Center against terrorism."

The international community also strongly condemned the attack. Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Iran, and many other countries supported India's anti-terrorism steps. UK MP Bob Blackman condemned the attack in Parliament and supported Operation Sindoor. However, Amnesty International and some human rights groups expressed concern over civilian casualties, which India dismissed.

PM Modi's message to the nation

On May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation, called 'Operation Sindoor' India's new strategy against terrorism. He said emotionally, "The result of who will try to snatch vermilion from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters has now known every terrorist." PM Modi bowed to the valor of the Indian Army and bluntly said that India is not going to bow down to nuclear threats under any circumstances.

Timeline

Date                                                    Event

22 April 2025                                      Terrorist attack in Pahalgam, 26 civilians killed
23 April 2025                                     Modi canceled Saudi Yatra, CCS decided to take strict                                                             action
7 May 2025                                        Operation Sindoor starts, attacked nine terrorist bases
8-9 May 2025                                     Pak carried out drone attacks, India destroyed airbase
10 May 2025                                       Announcement of India-Pakistan ceasefire
May 12, 2025                                      PM Modi's address to the nation