In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited Srinagar on April 25, 2025, to assess the security situation and oversee ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The attack, the deadliest on civilians in nearly two decades, has intensified tensions between India and Pakistan.
The assault occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a claim Islamabad denies.
In response to the attack, Indian security forces have launched a massive manhunt for the perpetrators, conducting searches in homes and forests across the region. Authorities have also demolished the house of one suspected militant involved in the attack.
The Indian government has taken several retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Pakistan, heavily reliant on the Indus River for irrigation and power, has labeled any disruption as an "act of war." Additionally, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, further straining bilateral relations.
The escalation has also impacted financial markets, with the Indian rupee weakening and equity markets experiencing volatility amid fears of further conflict
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government is considering a permanent deployment of Army and paramilitary forces in the region to address security gaps, especially ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. A detailed review of security arrangements is expected in the coming days.
The Pahalgam attack has not only reignited hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors but also underscored the fragile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The international community watches closely as both nations navigate this volatile period.