Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a top-level security meeting on Wednesday in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including foreign nationals. With the nation in shock, the review brought together India’s highest military leadership to assess the situation and strengthen counter-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Urgent review after deadly strike
The meeting, held in New Delhi, saw the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary, and the Army’s Director General of Military Operations. According to official sources, Rajnath Singh instructed the armed forces to ramp up their counter-terror operations and maintain high combat readiness across sensitive regions. The defence minister is said to have emphasised the need for proactive and coordinated action to prevent any further attacks.
The Pahalgam attack occurred on Tuesday in South Kashmir, targeting a group of tourists in the picturesque Bainsram area. Gunmen believed to be affiliated with The Resistance Front opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to several others. Among those killed were two foreign nationals, one from the United Arab Emirates and the other from Nepal, along with two local residents. The attack has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for intensified anti-terror operations.
Government’s coordinated response in motion
In a display of swift response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India early Wednesday morning. Simultaneously, Union Home Minister Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar on Tuesday evening to personally monitor the security developments and direct local enforcement efforts. The Centre has made it clear that those responsible for the attack will face severe consequences. PM Modi has reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and promised justice for the victims.
The attack has triggered heightened security alerts across Jammu and Kashmir, with intelligence inputs being continuously assessed. The defence forces have been tasked with ensuring a state of maximum vigilance and are expected to coordinate closely with other security and intelligence agencies. The review led by Rajnath Singh marks a significant step in recalibrating India’s anti-terror strategy amid rising threats in the Kashmir valley.
