One week since Pahalgam terror attack: A timeline of major events

It is one week since the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir shocked India and the world, claiming the lives of 26 innocent tourists and injuring several others.

The Federal takes you through the major developments in the wake of the attack.

April 22

At around 3 pm on Tuesday (April 22), a group of terrorists with assault rifles came out from the dense pine forests in Baisaran valley, often dubbed as “mini-Switzerland” because of its lush green meadows, and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place.

A massive anti-terrorist operation was launched to hunt down the assailants.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and people across the political spectrum in India condemned the terrorist attack unequivocally. US Vice President JD Vance, who was on an official visit to India with his family during the time of the attack, extended his condolences.

Also Read: Pak minister’s confession on terror exposes country as rogue state: India at UN

Union Home Minister Amit Shah went to Srinagar and held an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies. Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India on Tuesday night.

US President Donald Trump condoled the terror attack, and said the US stood strong with India against terrorism, and that India has “our full support and deepest sympathies”. Several world leaders condemned the attack and offered their condolences.

April 23

The J&K government announced ₹10 lakh ex gratia for the family of each deceased member, and ₹2 lakh for the injured.

Security agencies released the sketches of three men suspected to have been involved in the terror attack. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Tour operators reported widespread cancellations of scheduled tours to Jammu & Kashmir.

Prominent Muslim organisations condemned the attack, with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind asserting that it is wrong to give a religious colour to the incident as terrorism is a “cancer” that contradicts Islam’s policy of promoting peace.

Also Read: Pahalgam LIVE: PM Modi to hold security meet tomorrow

The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) met on Wednesday evening under the chairmanship of PM Modi.

India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan including the expulsion of its military attaches. The CCS also decided to close the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect. India announced that it would withdraw its military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan nationals would not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

April 24

J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said he was in touch with the governments of states where Kashmiris were allegedly being harassed in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Several Pakistani nationals visiting India started returning to Pakistan, a day after the Centre set a 48-hour deadline for them to leave the country.

Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and said any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an Act of War. It also put the Simla Agreement and other bilateral accords with India on hold.

Pakistan also asked military advisers at the Indian High Commission to leave by April 30.

Also Read: Indian military strike imminent: Pakistan Defence Minister

The Indian government briefed leaders of various political parties on the terror attack and heard their views at an all-party meeting in New Delhi. PM Modi did not attend the meeting.

A resolution unequivocally condemning the “heinous and inhumane” attack on innocent civilians was passed at an all-party meeting convened by J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.

India revoked visas issued to Pakistani nationals and asked Indians in Pakistan to return home immediately.

April 25

India issued notification on holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, and informs Pakistan.

A UN spokesperson said the UN chief Guterres was following “very closely” the situation between India and Pakistan. Guterres urged both countries to “exercise maximum restraint”.

Amit Shah dialled all CMs, asking them to ensure no Pakistani stayed in India beyond the deadline.

Also Read: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, US calls for ‘responsible solution’

The Pakistan Senate passed a resolution rejecting India’s “attempt” to link the Pahalgam terror attack with Islamabad.

The Indian Army responded to unprovoked firing by Pakistani military at some places along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir amid sharp escalation of tension between the two neighbours.

Iran reached out to India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.

April 26

The UN Security Council condemned in “strongest terms” the terror attack in J&K, and underlined the need to hold the perpetrator accountable.

“Blood will flow if India stops river water,” threatened Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

The J&K Police said they busted a terrorist hideout and seized a huge cache of arms in Kupwara.

Also Read: Major powers expect restraint as world waits for India’s response to Pahalgam attack

Omar Abdullah questioned Pakistan’s offer to join “neutral” probe into Pahalgam killings.

Houses of alleged terrorists were razed and hundreds were detained in a massive crackdown in Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistan initiates emergency steps to secure drug supplies after trade suspension with India.

Over 450 Indians returned to India from Pakistan via the Wagah border.

April 27

FBI Director Kash Patel assured “full support” to India on Pahalgam attack.

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) took over the probe into the terror attack.

Also Read: China extends ‘ironclad’ support to Pak amid tensions with India over Pahalgam attack

Pakistan wanted Russian, Chinese involvement in Pahalgam terror attack probe.

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Poonch, Kupwara sectors.

April 28

The Indian government blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for anti-India content, strongly objected to BBC reportage on Pahalgam by calling the terrorists “militants”.

The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly moved a resolution denouncing the Pahalgam attack, paid homage to the terror victims, and resolved to fight resolutely in defeating the nefarious designs of disturbing communal harmony and hindering progress.

China called for ‘swift and fair investigation” into the Pahalgam attack, and backs Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said a military strike by India was imminent.

Also Read: Pahalgam attack: Navy demonstrates readiness for long-range 'offensive' strikes

Opposition parties demanded a special session of Parliament on the terror attack.

Omar Abdullah said public outrage is the beginning of terrorism’s end in J&K.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif wanted diplomatic channel to be used to ease tensions between India and Pakistan.

The people of Kashmir will no longer tolerate violence, said Sajad Gani Lone, chairman of the People’s Conference.

April 29

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing in J&K’s Baramulla, Kupwara, and Akhnoor sectors. Modi is set tto hold a second meeting tomorrow on the security situation.