India Responds with Tough Interim Measures as Nation Mourns 26 Citizens Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack; Pune Grieves Its Own as Bodies Arrive

In a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, 26 innocent tourists lost their lives, with several others seriously injured. Among the victims were two residents of Pune, plunging the city into mourning and prompting heightened security across the region. The Indian government has responded swiftly and firmly, initiating a series of punitive measures against Pakistan and pledging justice for the victims.

Prime Minister Modi Chairs CCS Meeting, Government Acts Swiftly

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The meeting led to immediate and significant diplomatic and security decisions aimed at sending a strong message:

• Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan held in abeyance
• Visas for Pakistani nationals cancelled
• Pakistanis currently in India ordered to return before May 1
• Wagah-Attari Integrated Check Post closed with immediate effect
• No SAARC visas for Pakistani nationals
• Pakistan High Commission staff in India reduced to 30 members
• Defence, naval, and air advisors declared persona non grata

All-Party Meeting to Chart Next Steps

A political consensus is being built around the government’s long-term response. Prime Minister Modi has called for an all-party meeting today to discuss a broader plan beyond the immediate actions already taken. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the session, and Home Minister Amit Shah will also attend.

Raksha Mantri Assures Stern Action Against Perpetrators

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message while addressing a memorial lecture in Delhi, affirming that the perpetrators and their conspirators will face a “befitting reply.” He stressed:

“India can never be intimidated by such cowardly acts. Every Indian stands united. This government has zero tolerance for terrorism.”

He also laid out India’s strategic defence vision, highlighting a path to self-reliant defence sovereignty, the role of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and advancements in indigenous defence manufacturing, including the development of cutting-edge air defence systems like LCA Tejas, BrahMos, and Astra Mark-2.

Civil Aviation Minister Responds to Crisis

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu took rapid steps to assist those impacted by the attack:

• Four special evacuation flights arranged from Srinagar (Two to Delhi, Two to Mumbai)
• No surge pricing allowed—airlines directed to maintain normal fare levels
• Full cooperation from airlines sought to transport mortal remains to home states
• Round-the-clock monitoring by the Ministry in coordination with relevant authorities

Amit Shah Visits Pahalgam, Pays Last Respects

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site of the attack and paid homage to the deceased. He met with families of victims and assured them of complete government support. Shah said:

“Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits will not be spared. This sorrow cannot be expressed in words.”

He also met the injured at the hospital and received a detailed briefing from law enforcement officials on the ground.

Pune Grieves the Loss of Two Residents

Among those killed were Santosh Jagdale of Karvenagar and Kaustubh Ganbote of Sainagar, Kondhwa. Their mortal remains arrived in Pune early Thursday morning. The grief-stricken atmosphere at Pune Airport was marked by emotional scenes as family members, public representatives, and citizens gathered to receive the bodies.

Leaders in attendance included:

• Murlidhar Mohol, Pune MP and MoS for Civil Aviation
• Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra Minister
• Bapusaheb Pathare, Vadgaonsheri MLA
• Jitendra Dudi, Pune District Collector

The bodies were taken to their respective homes for final rites, which will be held at Vaikunth Crematorium, Navi Peth, amid tight security.

The attack occurred while Jagdale and Ganbote were visiting the picturesque valley with their families. According to reports, the terrorists struck in front of their loved ones.

Pune Police on High Alert

In response to the tragedy, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has intensified security in the city, particularly in Karvenagar and Kondhwa. Measures include:

• Increased surveillance and heightened deployment
• Monitoring of social media to prevent the spread of misinformation
• Strict warnings against rumor-mongering—legal action will be taken

Commissioner Kumar urged citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities by calling Dial 112.

National Investigation Agency Begins Probe

With nationwide security on high alert, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a full-scale probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. Central and state agencies are working in tandem to ensure justice and prevent further incidents.