India’s top leadership responded swiftly after 26 people were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah took direct control of the situation, signalling strong action against the attackers and their handlers.
Modi Returns to Delhi, Leads Emergency Response
Prime Minister Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi the same night. Soon after landing, he chaired a high-level emergency meeting with top officials, including the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and heads of security agencies.
During the meeting, Modi called the attack “a brutal assault on innocent lives” and ordered full-scale security operations to hunt down the attackers. He directed the army, CRPF, and intelligence agencies to work together to prevent further incidents.
He also asked the Ministry of External Affairs to inform key international partners and ensure global awareness about cross-border threats in the region.
Amit Shah Reaches Srinagar, Meets Officials and Victims
Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar early the next morning. He met with senior officers from the army, police, and intelligence departments to review the current security setup.
Shah also visited SKIMS hospital where several injured victims were being treated. Speaking to the media after his visit, he said:
“We will find every person responsible for this attack. No one will be spared.”
Later, Shah held a review meeting at the Raj Bhavan with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and central agency heads. Extra security forces have been deployed across south Kashmir since the visit.
Clear Message: Centre Is in Control
The quick and visible response from both Modi and Shah sent a clear signal to the public and political opposition — the Centre is taking the attack seriously and will act decisively.
Government officials confirmed that intelligence inputs are being analysed to trace the group behind the attack. Security has been tightened at all key locations in the Union Territory.
Sources also said the Prime Minister is likely to address the nation or speak in Parliament about the government’s strategy in the coming days.
Political Impact and Future Action
Opposition parties have raised questions about the intelligence failure, but BJP leaders praised the fast action taken by Modi and Shah. Many political observers believe this could influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming elections.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already joined the probe. Early reports suggest the attackers may have links to Pakistan-backed groups, though confirmation is still awaited.
