Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has vowed justice, calling the Pahalgam massacre a “despicable attack” on innocent lives. One critically injured tourist has been airlifted to GMC Anantnag for treatment.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi / Srinagar, April 23:
In the aftermath of the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians — including women, children, and tourists — India is actively exploring a range of retaliatory options against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia following the attack, returned to Delhi late Tuesday night and is set to chair a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) this morning.
The attack, carried out in broad daylight by militants disguised in civilian clothes, has sent shockwaves across the country. Initial intelligence reports point to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), as being behind the coordinated assault near Baisaran, a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam.
National Outrage, International Concern
Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will only grow stronger.”
ALSO READ: “Tell Modi”: Pallavi Recounts Chilling Words of Terrorist After Pahalgam Attack
The Prime Minister had been scheduled to hold key meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman but returned home early to deal with what government sources are calling a “grave national security crisis.”
Retaliatory Options Under Review
Government sources indicate that military retaliation is “actively being considered.” The Indian Armed Forces have been placed on high alert, and intelligence agencies are working to verify the exact locations of terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC). Covert ground strikes, precision air raids similar to the 2019 Balakot operation, and escalation of counter-insurgency measures within Jammu and Kashmir are among the strategies being weighed.
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India leaving his Saudi Arabia tour midway
We will not spare Islamic terrorists under any circumstances, they have made a big mistake
: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/lzmLrTSBGD
— Lekhraj Maher🇮🇳 (@LekhrajMaher) April 23, 2025
A senior defence official, speaking anonymously, confirmed, “We are not ruling anything out. Every option is on the table. A Balakot-style strike or even more aggressive action could be initiated once actionable intelligence is verified.”
Manoj Sinha: “Will Bring the Perpetrators to Justice”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the Pahalgam attack in strong terms and promised swift justice.
“This despicable attack on innocent civilians will not go unpunished. I have spoken to the Director General of Police and senior security officials. Directed the district administration and health authorities to provide immediate medical attention to the injured,” Sinha said in a statement.
One critically injured tourist was airlifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag. “I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” the LG added.
ALSO READ: PM Modi Returns Early from Saudi Arabia After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Planned and Targeted: Inside the Attack
The attack took place around 2:30 PM on Tuesday when a group of four to five heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists enjoying the lush meadows of Baisaran. Survivors recounted how the militants selectively targeted men, particularly Hindus, while sparing women and children in some instances.
Eyewitnesses described chilling scenes of gunfire, chaos, and helplessness. Pallavi, a tourist from Karnataka who lost her husband in the attack, revealed that the terrorist she confronted told her, “Tum Modi ko jaake bolo” (“Go and tell Modi”), before sparing her and her son.
Terrible day for India: Pahalgam terror attack shocks the nation as TRF alias LeT terrorists attack tourists pic.twitter.com/4seEufKk4X
— शिशीर जि (@Shisir_G) April 22, 2025
Intelligence agencies believe the attack was orchestrated by Saifullah Kasuri, deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba and a close associate of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. The attack, officials say, was likely planned over weeks, with reconnaissance carried out in advance.
Global Diplomatic Pressure on Pakistan Likely
While military retaliation is a strong possibility, India is also preparing for a simultaneous diplomatic offensive. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to brief key global partners and push for renewed action against Pakistan at the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
“Pakistan cannot be allowed to continue sheltering those who wage war against Indian civilians. This pattern of using proxy terror groups to strike inside India must be addressed internationally,” said a senior diplomat involved in MEA consultations.
Public, Political Reactions Intensify
Across India, protests erupted in multiple cities on Tuesday night demanding justice and swift retribution. Political leaders from across party lines united in grief and anger. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the attack as “a gut-wrenching act of cowardice” and called on the government to “act decisively, not just speak loudly.”
BJP leaders echoed the public sentiment, demanding “a fitting reply” and “complete dismantling” of terror networks operating out of Pakistan.
The nation now watches with bated breath as the CCS convenes in Delhi to determine India’s next steps. With precedent, public pressure, and political will converging, the government appears set to respond with both strength and strategy.
Whether it is a Balakot-style strike, increased global isolation of Pakistan, or a combination of approaches, one thing is clear: the Pahalgam massacre marks a dangerous escalation, and India is preparing to respond in kind.
