In a heartfelt tribute, players of Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad wore black armbands during their IPL 2025 match in Hyderabad to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. A minute's silence was observed before the game, and BCCI announced there would be no cheerleaders or fireworks, maintaining a somber tone. The terror strike by The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based LeT, drew global condemnation. The cricketing world stood united in grief and respect, highlighting how terrorism continues to overshadow peace and joy, even in moments of sport and celebration.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram emphasized the need for a comprehensive manhunt and a review of local intelligence mechanisms. Highlighting the importance of grassroots intelligence, he noted the challenges in policing sensitive regions without local support. Chidambaram affirmed the Congress party's backing for any effective government response and advocated for an all-party meeting post-fact-finding. He underscored the necessity of a broad social consensus against terrorism, warning against any condonation of violence. While reiterating the Congress's call for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, he clarified that this issue is distinct from counter-terrorism efforts. (PC: The Economic Times)

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting at his residence. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended. The attack, attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Saifullah Kasuri, involved militants infiltrating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Intelligence had prior indications but failed to act. The attackers used helmet-mounted cameras, suggesting plans to broadcast the assault. Security forces have launched extensive operations, including aerial surveillance, to apprehend the perpetrators. Defence Minister Singh vowed to pursue both the attackers and their conspirators. Amit Shah visited the attack site and met with the injured.

Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a young Navy officer, was among the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, just six days after marrying schoolteacher Himanshi. The couple had planned a Swiss honeymoon, but visa delays led them to scenic Pahalgam. Their photo, captured amid the aftermath, went viral, symbolizing the heartbreak of the tragedy. Himanshi, still wearing bridal bangles, called her brother to share the devastating news. The couple married on April 16 in Mussoorie. Lt Narwal’s body has been brought to Delhi and will be taken to Karnal. Families, once celebrating love, are now mourning an unimaginable loss. (PTI)

Businessman Robert Vadra has sparked controversy by linking the recent Pahalgam terror attack to growing Hindu-Muslim divisions in India. He criticized the government's emphasis on Hindutva, suggesting it leaves minorities feeling vulnerable and marginalized. Vadra emphasized that terrorism has no religion but argued that communal tensions contribute to such incidents. He urged the government to uphold secularism and ensure the safety of all citizens. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned Vadra's remarks, with spokesperson CR Kesavan calling them "unpardonable" and accusing Vadra of echoing terrorist narratives. Vadra clarified that his statements were personal opinions and not representative of the Congress party or his family. (PC: PTI)

Tensions escalated along the Line of Control as Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Tata Pani area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, just a day after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Indian Army responded effectively to the gunfire. In a separate incident, troops thwarted an infiltration attempt in Baramulla’s Uri sector, sparking a fierce encounter. These developments follow the brutal attack in Baisaran Valley where terrorists verified identities and targeted non-Muslim tourists. Prime Minister Modi returned from Saudi Arabia early, convening a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kashmir. (PTI)

Bangladesh has strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, issuing a statement reaffirming its “unwavering commitment to the global fight against terrorism.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and sympathy for the victims, calling the attack a “mindless act of violence.” Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also conveyed his grief. While world powers like the US, UK, France, and Israel quickly responded, observers noted the delay in Bangladesh’s official statement. Meanwhile, Pakistan has denied involvement, despite The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claiming responsibility. The attack occurred amid rising tourism and tensions following provocative comments by Pakistan’s army chief. (PC: AFP)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed a strong response to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including two foreigners. Addressing the nation a day after the attack, Singh declared, "We will get those behind the scenes." He emphasized India's zero-tolerance policy for terrorism and chaired a high-level meeting with top defence officials to review security in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, claimed to be carried out by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate, targeted tourists in Baisaran. Singh instructed the military to intensify anti-terror operations, echoing PM Modi’s firm stance against the perpetrators. (PC: India Today)

Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have expressed deep grief over the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives. Salman took to X and wrote, "Kashmir, heaven on Earth, is turning into hell. Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainaat ko marne ke barabar hai." Shah Rukh Khan, on Instagram, said, "Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam." The attack, one of the deadliest in decades, took place in Baisaran. PM Modi vowed justice, as the nation and its celebrities united in sorrow and outrage. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On April 22, 2025, militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, attacked tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 28 and injuring over 20. The assailants, dressed in military fatigues, targeted non-Muslims, sparing Muslims after verifying religious identity. TRF claimed the victims were undercover agents linked to Indian security forces. The attack, the deadliest since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, disrupted a period of relative calm and booming tourism in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from Saudi Arabia to oversee the response, while Home Minister Amit Shah vowed severe consequences. International leaders, including those from the U.S., U.K., China, and Pakistan, condemned the attack. The incident has intensified Indo-Pak tensions and challenged the BJP's claims of restored peace post-2019.