At least 28 people were killed in a terrorist attack on a tourist convoy in Pahalgam on Tuesday, sparking nationwide outrage and heightened security along the India-Pakistan border. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed swift and decisive action, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh promising a “befitting reply” in the coming days.
Amid rising tensions, Pakistani military activity has intensified near the border. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reportedly placed key units on high alert, with reconnaissance aircraft monitoring Indian airspace—moves reminiscent of the prelude to India’s 2019 Balakot airstrikes after the Pulwama bombing.
Online flight-tracking data indicated the movement of Pakistani C-130 aircraft in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), prompting speculation over military preparedness or potential militant reinforcement. “Pakistan Air Force C-130 is doing rounds of PoK. Are they preparing for our reaction? Or deploying more terrorists in the region?” retired Naval Maritime Pilot Cdr Sandeep Dhawan commented on X.
Egyptian journalist Khaled Mahmoued added, “Pakistan puts Air Force on high alert amid global anticipation of Indian response to Kashmir attack. In his first official reaction, Modi vowed that the perpetrators ‘will not go unpunished’, signaling the possibility of a military or security response.”
Former Pakistani envoy to India Abdul Basit warned of potential escalation, saying Islamabad is bracing for any “Indian misadventure.”
Security experts and former Indian officials are calling for a strong response. Former J&K DGP S.P. Vaid described the attack as a “well-planned operation,” suggesting the involvement of Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG). He linked the attack to recent rhetoric from Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and said, “Our response should be like Israel’s after the Hamas attacks.”
Intelligence reports indicate 42 active terrorist launch pads in PoK, with an estimated 110–130 terrorists ready to infiltrate. Of them, around 115 are believed to be Pakistani nationals. This year alone, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire at least three times. Indian security forces have neutralized 17 terrorists attempting infiltration and killed 26 others in counter-terror operations within Jammu and Kashmir.
With both countries closely monitoring developments, the region remains on edge, and the prospect of a sharp Indian response looms.
Team BharatShakti
