On Friday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy took to the streets of Hyderabad to join a candlelight march, expressing solidarity against the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. Speaking passionately during the event, Reddy declared, "We urge you to move forward, and we, the 140 crore Indians, will stand with you. It’s time to take action. We should divide Pakistan into two parts and merge PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) with India. We are all with you. This is not the time for politics." His words echoed the unity and strength of the Indian people in the face of such heinous violence.
The tragic loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack sparked widespread condemnation from various political and social leaders. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, too, joined the candlelight march in Hyderabad, denouncing the terror attack. In a post on social media, he shared, "We are all united against terrorism. Along with @revanth_anumula & thousands of Indian citizens, I participated in a candlelight march against the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack." His participation in the march underscored the collective resolve to stand against terrorism and support the families affected by the attack.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces in the Qaimoh area of Kulgam district took swift action. Two terrorist associates were arrested by the police in Thokerpora, an area closely linked to the attack. According to a report by ANI, this arrest has been hailed as a step toward bringing the perpetrators to justice. The arrest of these individuals, while important, is only the beginning of a long road to dismantling the terrorist network operating in the region.
The situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir remains tense. The Indian Army reported that on the night of April 25th-26th, 2025, several Pakistani Army posts launched an unprovoked small arms fire along the LoC. The Indian troops responded effectively with small arms fire, though, thankfully, no casualties were reported. This escalation only highlights the fragility of the region's peace and the constant threat posed by cross-border terrorism.
International responses to the Pahalgam attack have been swift. Former US President Donald Trump commented on the incident while aboard Air Force One, acknowledging the attack as a “bad one.” When asked about the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump noted that the two countries have long faced challenges, and ultimately, they will resolve their differences in their own way. His words reflected a recognition of the complexity of the India-Pakistan relationship, emphasizing that both nations must chart their own path forward in resolving their longstanding issues.
Back in India, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing outrage over the terrorist attack. Scindia assured the nation that the Indian government would respond forcefully to these acts of terror. Citing Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to addressing terrorism, Scindia emphasized that the government would take strong action to identify and neutralize those responsible for the attack. His words reaffirmed the country’s determination to protect its citizens from terror and respond decisively.
In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid tribute to a true hero, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who lost his life trying to protect tourists during the Pahalgam attack. Shinde spoke of Shah’s bravery, noting how Shah had made a valiant attempt to wrestle the terrorists’ guns from them in a desperate bid to save lives. Shah’s sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the courage displayed by ordinary citizens in extraordinary circumstances.
On the global stage, the United Nations Security Council issued a stern condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. The council called for the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of this act of violence to be held accountable and brought to justice. The international community’s condemnation serves as a signal of global solidarity against terrorism and a call for coordinated action to eliminate such threats to peace and security.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to foster greater understanding between the two nations. In a social media post, Araghchi expressed Tehran’s readiness to assist in facilitating dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, recognizing the difficulty of the moment. His offer underscores the role that external actors can play in trying to ease tensions, though it remains to be seen whether such diplomatic efforts will succeed.
Saudi Arabia also stepped into the fray, with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan reaching out to both Indian and Pakistani officials following the Pahalgam attack. The Saudi foreign minister's phone calls to his counterparts in New Delhi and Islamabad were confirmed through social media posts from India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and a readout from Pakistan’s foreign ministry. This diplomatic outreach highlights the importance of international dialogue and the need for global cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.
In a significant move at the national level, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Islamabad was prepared to cooperate with any international investigation into the attack. His comments, made in an interview with the New York Times, suggest that Pakistan is willing to engage with the global community in the effort to hold accountable those responsible for acts of terrorism. However, many remain skeptical about the sincerity of such offers, given the history of contentious relations between India and Pakistan.
On the domestic front, India’s government is not sitting idle. The Centre is actively working on a strategy to ensure that no water flows from India into Pakistan. Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil made this announcement following a high-level meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah. This move is seen as a direct response to the ongoing tensions between the two nations, as the water dispute remains a critical issue in the India-Pakistan relationship. While such a strategy may have significant geopolitical implications, it is part of India’s broader effort to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests.
The Pahalgam terror attack has highlighted the ever-present threat of terrorism in the region and the global implications of such violence. In the wake of this tragic incident, India has shown a united front, with political leaders, security forces, and citizens all expressing their outrage and determination to confront terrorism head-on. The international community, too, has rallied behind India, with countries offering their support and condemning the attack in no uncertain terms.
As the investigation into the attack continues, the road ahead remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: India’s resolve to combat terrorism and protect its citizens is unwavering. Whether through diplomatic efforts, military responses, or public demonstrations of solidarity, the nation stands united in its fight against terror. The candlelight marches, the tributes to fallen heroes, and the statements of leaders from across the political spectrum all serve as powerful symbols of this resolve. In the end, it is the courage of individuals, the strength of communities, and the commitment of governments that will ultimately determine the outcome of this ongoing struggle against terrorism.
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