No Mercy for Terror: India’s High-Level Talks After Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi: In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, two key decision-making committees of the government convened today to deliberate on India’s response to what it perceives as Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism. Tensions between the two neighbouring nations are escalating.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held its second meeting since the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack. During its initial meeting, the CCS had already taken several steps directed at Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Following the CCS meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) convened to discuss the Opposition’s request for a special session of parliament to address the Pahalgam terror attack.

After both cabinet committee meetings concluded, Prime Minister Modi held a further meeting with key Union ministers to brief them on the discussions that had taken place.

Earlier, opposition leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had written to PM Modi, urging him to convene a special session of parliament to demonstrate a united national resolve against the terror attack.

In its first meeting on April 23rd, the CCS strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

Officials briefing the CCS highlighted the cross-border linkages of the terror attack. The committee was informed that the terrorists aimed to disrupt the successful elections held in Jammu and Kashmir, a Union Territory, and to impede the region’s steady progress towards economic growth and development.

Local residents also staged significant protests against the terror attack, denouncing it as an attempt to isolate the region by deterring tourists and consequently halting all economic activity.

However, despite the attack, many tourists who had planned their visits prior to the incident are choosing not to cancel their trips. While expressing disappointment over the closure of several tourist sites, they conveyed confidence in their safety in Jammu and Kashmir and reported no significant apprehension.

“I heard about the terror attack on the night of the 22nd… Our flight was on the 23rd at 5.30 AM. At first, our whole family was scared, unsure whether to go or not. But our uncle encouraged us and said, ‘Let’s go,’ so we came… Now we are in Pahalgam, and everything feels safe,” Keval Patel, a resident of Ahmedabad, told news agency ANI.

Sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi affirmed India’s firm resolve to deliver a decisive blow to terrorism. He expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional capabilities of the Indian armed forces.