Kashmir Terror Attack: Timeline and Strategic Actions by the Indian Government

Kashmir, 24 April, 2025: On 22 April 2025, a group of domestic tourists returning from Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was ambushed by militants firing from forested terrain. The brutal attack resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries, with most victims hailing from Gujarat and Maharashtra. Local residents and taxi drivers acted swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby medical centers before emergency services could arrive. A group identifying itself as "Kashmir Resistance" later claimed responsibility, citing opposition to perceived demographic changes in the region.

23 April: Political Leadership Response

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and chaired a high-level security review in New Delhi.  
• Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar, met with victims’ families, and assessed local security arrangements.  
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman returned early from an overseas commitment to coordinate financial support.

State and Central Assistance

• The Gujarat government announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and ₹2 lakh for the injured.  
• The Maharashtra government and Central authorities pledged additional financial and logistical assistance.  
• Civil society groups nationwide held peace marches and prayer gatherings urging unity and long-term security reforms.

Diplomatic and Strategic Decisions

• Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan until it ends support for cross-border terrorism, marking a shift in relations.  

• Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme

India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan, cancelling all visas, with a 48-hour deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave.  

• Closure of Attari-Wagah Border  

India has closed the Attari-Wagah border, halting the movement of people and goods, with returns allowed by 1 May 2025.  

• Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel

India will reduce its diplomatic staff in Islamabad to 30 by 1 May 2025, cutting back on bilateral diplomatic ties.  

• Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors

India has expelled Pakistani military advisors from New Delhi, with a one-week deadline for departure, and will withdraw its own advisors from Islamabad.

Global Solidarity

World leaders strongly condemned the Kashmir terror attack. President Donald Trump said, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.” President Vladimir Putin called it a “brutal crime” and stressed the importance of a united fight against terror. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror.” Their words reflect the global community’s solidarity with India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter