In a swift and multi-dimensional response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead, India has escalated diplomatic, military, and internal security measures targeting Pakistan. Tensions are mounting along the Line of Control (LoC) as Pakistan continues ceasefire violations for a fourth consecutive night, even as India launches live-fire drills and strengthens its internal posture.
Officials reported that Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across several sectors, including Poonch and Kupwara, for the third straight day. Indian forces have retaliated firmly, and no casualties have been reported on the Indian side.
The April 22 attack at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Kashmir — one of the deadliest since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 — claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident. The massacre has galvanized a hardening of India’s approach to Pakistan, even as calls for restraint emerged internationally.
China weighed in cautiously, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun urging both sides to “exercise restraint” and “properly handle differences through dialogue.” However, India has made clear it will pursue a firm course.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting early Monday (28 April) with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to review preparedness and responses. It followed a separate session on Sunday between the Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, where operational strategies against Pakistan were evaluated.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on Monday condemning the “barbaric” attack, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasizing unity over political demands. “This is not the time for debates over statehood. We must stand together in condemnation,” he said during the special session, which included a two-minute silence for the victims.
Diplomatic, Media, and Internal Crackdown
The government’s response extends beyond the LoC. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its probe, deploying senior officers to examine forensic evidence and reconstruct the attack’s planning. Entry and exit routes around Baisaran are under close surveillance.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated a media clampdown. Sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent broadcasters like Dawn News, ARY News, and Geo News, have been banned for spreading provocative misinformation. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has advised Indian media outlets to avoid live coverage of troop movements, citing operational security.
India has also expressed displeasure toward foreign media narratives. A formal complaint was lodged with the Indian head of the BBC, Jackie Martin, objecting to the British broadcaster’s use of the term “militants” instead of “terrorists” in its reporting of the attack. Officials confirmed that India continues to monitor international coverage closely.
Crackdown on Pakistani Nationals
On the internal security front, Uttar Pradesh has led a decisive move by expelling nearly all Pakistani nationals within the state. Over 700 individuals — including tourists and patients on medical visas — have been deported through the Attari-Wagah border since Thursday. Only one Pakistani national remains under surveillance and is slated for deportation by April 30.
Growing Military and Strategic Concerns
Amid rising tensions, Indian officials are closely monitoring reports that Pakistan is seeking Chinese assistance to acquire active armour protection systems. This move is seen as a direct response to India’s successful deployment of the indigenous Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
On the diplomatic front, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s “zero-tolerance” approach to terrorism during a conversation with his British counterpart David Lammy. He underscored the cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam attack and asserted that those responsible would face consequences.
With border tensions flaring and diplomatic pressure rising, India’s calibrated but aggressive response signals its determination to ensure the Pahalgam attack does not go unanswered.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
