Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Sunday, visited the residence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to brief him on the military's response and key decisions made to counter Pakistan after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The meeting was convened in light of the horrific attack that took place on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists including one Nepalese national, were tragically killed.
The incident occurred around 2 pm at the scenic Baisaran meadow near the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. This attack, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the attack, teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which arrived at the site on April 23, have been intensifying their efforts to gather evidence. Led by senior officers, including an Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Superintendent of Police (SP), the NIA teams are questioning eyewitnesses to piece together details of the incident and identify those responsible.
In addition, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert, conducting multiple search operations to neutralise any remaining terrorists involved in the attack. The attack has sparked widespread outrage across the country, leading to protests demanding stronger action against Pakistan for its involvement in cross-border terrorism.
Also Read: India hits back, suspends Indus Treaty, shuts Attari Border
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened a meeting on April 23, during which the government was briefed on the attack in detail. The CCS strongly condemned the attack and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims while hoping for the swift recovery of the injured. In their assessment, the committee emphasised the cross-border nature of the attack, linking it to Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
In response to the growing tensions, the Indian government decided to take significant diplomatic actions. As part of a broader strategy, India has decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts, which are seen as critical for bilateral military communication, will be annulled. Additionally, five support staff members of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn, further reducing India's diplomatic presence in Islamabad.
These steps are part of a broader strategy to signal India's dissatisfaction with Pakistan's actions and to strengthen security measures in the wake of the attack. India will also reduce the total number of staff at its High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30 by May 1, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Also Read: Pak citizens rush home through Attari as exit deadline ends
Follow us
