In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an urgent high-level security meeting in New Delhi to assess the situation and coordinate the national response. The meeting, held late on Monday evening, included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The attack, which took place on a tourist convoy en route to Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of at least nine civilians, including a child, and left over 30 injured. This is one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent months, raising fresh concerns about the resurgence of militant activity in South Kashmir.
PM Modi Reviews Security Readiness
According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives and directed all agencies to intensify counterterrorism operations. He was briefed in detail about the sequence of events, intelligence inputs prior to the attack, and the response mechanism deployed thereafter.
The meeting focused on evaluating the gaps in the existing security grid, reviewing intelligence coordination, and enhancing the safety of civilians and tourists in sensitive zones. PM Modi reportedly instructed the armed forces and central agencies to “act firmly and decisively” against those responsible for orchestrating the ambush.
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Defence, Intelligence, and Army Chiefs in Action
The presence of top defence and intelligence officials underlined the seriousness of the incident. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination and real-time intelligence sharing, especially in areas witnessing increased infiltration attempts.
NSA Ajit Doval reportedly gave an overview of the broader security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted possible foreign involvement in the attack. Officials also discussed the use of advanced surveillance and drone monitoring in militant-prone regions.
CDS General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs laid out a joint action plan to increase army patrols, bolster border intelligence, and improve civilian protection in key districts like Anantnag and Pulwama.
Impact on Amarnath Yatra and Tourism
The attack comes just weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra, raising alarm bells about the safety of pilgrims and tourists. The Home Ministry is likely to deploy additional paramilitary forces along the Yatra route, including in and around Pahalgam, one of the main base camps.
Tourism in Kashmir had seen a remarkable revival in recent years, with lakhs of domestic and international travellers visiting the Valley. However, this attack threatens to derail that progress, especially in South Kashmir’s scenic but sensitive areas.
Intelligence Agencies Suspect Cross-Border Link
While no terror group has officially claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, preliminary intelligence reports suggest the involvement of foreign-trained militants backed by Pakistan-based handlers. Agencies are probing links with groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF), both of which have been active in targeting non-locals and tourists in recent months.
Security forces have already launched a massive search operation across South Kashmir, with multiple encounters and detentions reported since the attack. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) may also take over the probe to investigate the conspiracy behind the attack and trace financial links.
Political and Public Reaction
The attack has triggered widespread outrage across the country. Political leaders from across party lines have condemned the act, calling for swift justice. In a tweet, PM Modi said, “The attack in Pahalgam is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators will not be spared.”
Local residents and civil society groups in Kashmir also held candlelight vigils in solidarity with the victims, condemning violence and urging authorities to maintain peace and security.
Moving Forward with Vigilance
As the nation mourns yet another tragic loss of lives, the government’s top priority remains ensuring safety in the Valley while cracking down on terror networks. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi signals a zero-tolerance approach and a reinforced commitment to safeguarding both civilians and national security interests.
