India strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the worst civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Delivering India‘s statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the United Nations, Deputy Permanent Representative of India Yojna Patel, said, “The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society.”

She emphasised that India, with its history of facing cross-border terrorism, recognises the profound scars such acts leave on societies over time.

Ambassador Patel also acknowledged the strong and unequivocal support shown by the international community in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

She stated, “India deeply appreciates and values the strong, unequivocal support and solidarity extended by leaders and governments across the world in the wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism.”

She noted that the collective condemnation and solidarity reflect a growing global consensus that terrorism must be confronted with determination and unity.

Drawing attention to international obligations, Patel stressed the importance of accountability in counter-terrorism efforts. She said, “As the UN Security Council in its statement has said, perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism must be held accountable and brought to justice.”

Referring to the universality of terrorism‘s consequences, she added, “Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomever committed.”

Patel reiterated India‘s firm position that no justification for terrorism can be accepted under any circumstance, and that comprehensive accountability is essential for justice and deterrence.

Focusing on victim-centred initiatives, Patel welcomed the establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association. She stated, “The establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association is a significant step in this regard. It will create a structured, safe space for victims to be heard and supported.”

Highlighting the need to place victims at the core of global counter-terrorism strategies, she emphasised, “India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our collective efforts.”

Patel pointed out that victim-centric mechanisms like VoTAN would empower those affected and ensure that their voices guide international efforts against terrorism.

During her remarks, Patel also addressed the misuse of the United Nations platform by a particular delegation. Without naming Pakistan, she said, “It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum to indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India.”

Highlighting recent developments, she pointed to a public admission that has been widely reported. Patel said, “The whole world has heard Pakistan‘s defence minister, Khwaja Asif, admitting and confessing Pakistan‘s history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview.” She stated that this confession simply reaffirmed what has been evident to the global community.

Patel further added, “This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state, fueling global terrorism and destabilising the region.” Concluding her statement, she called on the international community to respond appropriately to these realities. “The world can no longer turn a blind eye. I have nothing further to add.”

Ambassador Yojna Patel delivered India‘s official statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network. (ANI)

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On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ban on YouTube channels includes Dawn News, Ary News and Geo News.

The Centre also conveyed its strong sentiments to Jackie Martin, India’s head of BBC, regarding their reporting on the Pahalgam terror attack, says a government official. It also sent a letter to the BBC for terming ‘terrorists’ as ‘militants’, and the Indian government is closely monitoring the reporting of the BBC on the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Saturday (April 26, 2025) also issued an advisory asking all media channels within India to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and the movement of security forces.

The advisory, which came amid reports of the government’s plans to carry out major anti-terrorist operations in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, cautioned specifically against real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting from “sources-based” information related to defence operations or movement. (Hindu)

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Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Altaf Lalli was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora, days after the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, India that left 26 people dead, India Today reported.

The action is part of a wider security operation targeting LeT operatives suspected to be linked to the attack.

Acting on specific intelligence, the Indian Army and J&K Police launched a joint operation in Bandipora on Friday (25 April) morning.

Contact was established with terrorists, resulting in an exchange of fire.

Earlier, it was reported that one of the terrorists was injured in the initial phase of the encounter. Two police personnel, part of a senior officer’s security detail, also sustained injuries during the operation.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also arrived in Srinagar and was briefed on the Bandipora encounter.

He is set to conduct a security review and assess the ongoing operations against LeT terrorists linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier in the day, security forces and J&K authorities demolished the homes of two terrorists suspected to be linked to the Pahalgam attack.

While the residence of Lashkar terrorist Adil Hussain Thoker in Bijbehara was blown up using IEDs, the house of Asif Sheikh in Tral was demolished with a bulldozer. (Swarajya/ India Today)

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The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday released sketches of three individuals suspected to be involved in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed. 

The police have identified two of the suspects as Pakistani nationals and have announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for credible information leading to their arrest.

According to the notices made public by the Anantnag police, the suspects are: Hashim Musa alias Suleman, a citizen of Pakistan, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, also a citizen of Pakistan and Abdul Hussain Thokar, a resident of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. All three are believed to be members of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The attack, which took place in Baisaran near Pahalgam on Tuesday, claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. It is one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in recent years.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strongly worded statement today during a public address in Bihar. In his first remarks since the incident, PM Modi said, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s resolve will not falter. Terrorism will not go unpunished.” 

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, held an emergency meeting yesterday and announced a set of five retaliatory measures against Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media yesterday evening, announced that both Indian and Pakistani high commissions will reduce their staff strength from 55 to 30, effective from 1 May. Military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week. India will similarly withdraw its advisors from Islamabad.

Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. All existing visas under this scheme are cancelled, and current holders must leave India within 48 hours. The only land border crossing between India and Pakistan is now shut. Pakistani citizens who crossed into India via Attari with valid permissions must return before 1 May.

India has also put the 1960 agreement in abeyance until Pakistan ceases support for terrorism. (NDTV)

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