Pahalgam LIVE: Will hunt down every terrorist involved, says Amit Shah
Citing "cross-border linkages" to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 1) vowed to hunt down each and every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack and said all of them will be made answerable for the heinous act.
Shah asserted that the Narendra Modi government will not spare any terrorist. "Whoever has carried out the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, we will not spare anyone. We will hunt down each and every perpetrator," he said at an event in Delhi to unveil a statue of Upendra Nath Brahma, the patriarch of Assam's Bodo community, and name a road after him.
The home minister said the Modi government has been pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists. "If someone thinks they will escape by carrying out such a cowardly attack, they are wrong. This is Narendra Modi's government. We will not spare anyone," he said.
7th incident in a row
Meanwhile, Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive night by their unprovoked firing in several sectors across three border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian military responded proportionately, officials said on Thursday (May 1).
The exchange of fire occurred even though the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline on Tuesday amid rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
“During the night of April 30-May 1, 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir,” a Defence spokesperson in Jammu said.
Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, he added.
India closes airspace
Meanwhile, India on Wednesday closed its airspace for Pakistani airlines, a week after Islamabad took a similar step.
On April 24, Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and stated that any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an "act of war."
This came after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the killing of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack.
NSAB revamped
The Centre has also revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) — a move that came amid speculations about India's possible retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in view of its cross-border linkages.
It is learnt that former R&AW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as NSAB chairman. The NSAB is an advisory body that provides inputs to the National Security Council Secretariat.
During a high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, government sources said.
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Live Updates
- 1 May 2025 11:47 PM IST
Pakistan's PM, President meet
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on Thursday to discuss the security situation and vowed to respond to "any act of aggression in a befitting manner”.
The two met for the first time as tensions rose between India and Pakistan after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.
According to an official statement, they said that Pakistan would never compromise on its territorial integrity and sovereignty and would “respond to any act of aggression in a befitting manner”.
“Pakistani nation is united and stands behind its armed forces, who are capable of responding to any threat or aggression,” the leaders said.
Separately, Sharif also had a telephonic conversation with the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Radio Pakistan reported.
During the conversation, he reiterated his offer of cooperation for a "transparent" investigation into the terror attack.
A day after the attack, India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the massacre.
On Wednesday, India also closed its airspace for flights operated by Pakistani airlines.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a rally in the Sindh province where he accused India of using terrorism as a pretext to usurp water flowing into Pakistan.
Bhutto was referring to the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 by India after the Pahalgam attack.
He repeated that if water meant for Pakistan is stopped, it would be considered an act of war, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should know, "either water will flow in the river or blood.” Bhutto said that Sindh is home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and in that sense, it belongs to the people of India and Pakistan who take pride in the old civilisation.
“Indian people also love it and they know that their history is linked with Sindhu…neither will we allow someone to suffocate Sindhu, nor will the Indian people allow any such attack,” he said.
- 1 May 2025 11:46 PM IST
J-K Police cracks down on cross-border terror networks, attaches property of LeT terrorist in Poonch
Stepping up its offensive against cross-border terror networks, the police on Thursday attached the immovable property of a terrorist belonging to the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.
The action was taken under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), under which a case was registered against the terrorist at the police station in Mendhar, officials said.
The property, comprising one kanal and 11 marlas of agricultural land, is located in the Kasblari area of tehsil Mankote, they said. It belongs to Mohammad Riyaz, son of Sain, a local resident currently acting as a handler for LeT, based in Pakistan, they said. Riyaz is wanted in several cases related to terrorism.
This action is part of broader efforts to disrupt the financial and logistical support networks of terrorism, they said.
- 1 May 2025 11:45 PM IST
70 Pakistanis stranded at Attari border as deadline expires: Officials
As many as 70 Pakistani nationals were stranded here on Thursday, officials said, as the deadline for leaving India expired a day earlier.
The Attari-Wagah border was shut on Thursday after being kept open till April 30. The Centre issued the 'Leave India' notice to Pakistani nationals after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists with Pakistan links in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.
The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carrying medical visas, the deadline was April 29.
The deadline for 12 other categories of visas was April 27. These were visas on arrival and visas for business, film, journalists, transit, conferences, mountaineering, students, visitors, group tourists, pilgrims and group pilgrims.
After the expiry of the deadline, no one from Pakistan or India could cross over to each other's country.
As the gates were shut, a long queue of vehicles with Pakistani nationals was seen outside the Integrated Check Post (ICP).
The officials said that Pakistani nationals were not allowed by the customs and immigration authorities to enter the ICP to travel further to Pakistan.
They further said that Pakistan, too, has shut its border. Consequently, many Indian nationals who were waiting to cross over were left stranded there on the Pakistan side.
- 1 May 2025 8:54 PM IST
US urges India, Pak to de-escalate tensions; backs Delhi's fight against terrorism
The US has urged India and Pakistan to work together to de-escalate tensions over the Pahalgam terror attack as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to emphasise on maintaining "peace and security" in South Asia.
In his phone conversation with Sharif, the US Secretary of State called for Islamabad's cooperation in investigating the "unconscionable attack" that killed 26 people.
The "perpetrators, backers and planners" of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice, Jaishankar said on X, hours after speaking to Rubio who reaffirmed Washington's support to India's fight against terrorism.
The US Secretary of State spoke to Sharif and Jaishankar on Wednesday amid speculation about India's possible military strikes against Pakistan in view of the cross border linkages to the dastardly terror attack.
A day after the Jaishankar-Rubio talks, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and conveyed that Washington supports New Delhi's "right to defend" itself and its fight against terrorism.
Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has been "exposed" as a "rogue" state fuelling global terrorism, and "destabilising" the region, adding the world can no longer turn a "blind eye" to terrorism.
In his phone conversation with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his "sorrow" for the lives lost in the "horrific" terror attack and reaffirmed the US' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism, according to the US State Department.
"Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," the external affairs minister said on X.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said: "The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism." "He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia," she said.
On Rubio's phone talks with Sharif, Bruce said the Secretary encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate "tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia".
- 1 May 2025 8:36 PM IST
Pakistan's envoy to US urges Trump to step in to defuse tensions with India
Pakistan's envoy to the US has urged President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with India as he simultaneously strives to solve conflicts in Europe and West Asia, Newsweek reported.
Pakistan's Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that for a president "who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration”, there was no “higher or flashier flash point” than Kashmir.
His remark comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday urged the international community to intervene to prevent a potential conflict between Pakistan and India, Geo News reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam attack.
"If we have a president who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration, to establish a legacy as a peacemaker — or as someone who finished wars, defied wars and played a role in de-confliction, resolving the disputes — I don’t think there is any higher or flashier flash point, particularly in nuclear terms, as Kashmir,” Sheikh told Newsweek on Wednesday.
"We are not talking about one or two countries in that neighbourhood who are nuclear capable. So, that is how grave it is," he said, referring to China, India and Pakistan.
- 1 May 2025 8:24 PM IST
Pak FM stations stop airing Indian songs amid rising tensions
Pakistani FM radio stations on Thursday stopped airing Indian songs following tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
"The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has stopped airing Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio stations across the country with immediate effect," PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masood said.
Indian songs, especially from greats like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, are popular among Pakistanis and are played by FM radio stations here daily. Pakistan Information Minister Atta Tarar commended the PBA decision amid speculations that the government had directed the association to immediately stop airing Indian songs on all FM radio stations given the current situation between the two countries.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.The attack drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.
A day after the attack, India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the massacre.
On Wednesday, India also closed its airspace for flights operated by Pakistani airlines.
In a letter to the PBA, Tarar said, "The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation." He said banning Indian songs on FM stations of Pakistan shows that "we all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times." PTI
- 1 May 2025 8:06 PM IST
Capture PoK, that would be best tribute to Pahalgam attack victims: Bitta
All India Anti Terrorist Front chairman M S Bitta on Thursday said it was time India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for repeatedly stabbing it in the back, stressing that the government should capture Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Bitta was in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar city to meet the family members of Yatish Parmar and his son Smit Parmar, who were among the 26 persons killed by terrorists near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on April 22.
After visiting the two victims’ relatives at their home in the city’s Kaliyabid area, Bitta said the best tribute the Indian government can offer to those who lost their lives would be by capturing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“Be it the Mumbai terror attack, the Parliament attack or serial bomb blasts in the past. Pakistan has stabbed us in the back several times. Now, the time has come to give it a befitting reply. Capturing PoK would be the best tribute to these martyrs. I urge the government to take back PoK,” Bitta told reporters.
He termed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism as cancer and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wipe it out from the country.
Bitta emphasised that the issue should not be politicised and said the opposition must stand in solidarity with the Prime Minister.
- 1 May 2025 8:05 PM IST
NC stands firm with nation on eradication of terrorism
Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Thursday condemned terrorism in the strongest terms and said the National Conference stands firmly with the nation and fully supports the Centre’s measures to eradicate terrorism.
He was speaking at a function to observe International Labour Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, where the NC reaffirmed the party’s "unwavering commitment" to the welfare of the working class.
"The National Conference stands firmly with the nation and fully supports the Centre’s measures to eradicate terrorism," he told NC workers here.
Speaking on the Pahalgam terror attack, Nasir Aslam Wani condemned terrorism in the strongest terms and said, "Our country will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan must face the consequences of its misadventures." Responding to a question about the Pahalgam attack, Minister Satish Sharma said, "We have to give a befitting reply, as they (terrorists) have killed innocents." He said that the Omar Abdullah government will work shoulder to shoulder with the central government on this issue.
Sharma emphasised that it is not merely an issue of tourism, but of humanity. "It is not a matter of loss to tourism but a matter of killing innocents. They came for this purpose. We have to be alert, and a proper reply has to be given," he said.
He stressed that our country and its leadership, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Army jawans, are capable of giving a befitting response.
He also mentioned that the people of the border areas are brave and ready to fight shoulder to shoulder with our troops. PTI
