New Delhi, April 28: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to brief him on the evolving security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The nearly 40-minute high-level discussion comes as India weighs its options for a firm retaliation against the perpetrators, amid continued ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).
PM Modi Assures Justice, Vows Harsh Response
In his monthly address to the nation through ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi reiterated his government’s resolve to punish the “perpetrators and conspirators” behind the Pahalgam strike. “The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done,” Modi declared.
He emphasized that the attackers would be “served with the harshest response”, reinforcing New Delhi’s strong stance against cross-border terror activities allegedly originating from Pakistani soil.
Ceasefire Crumbles as Pakistan Resorts to Shelling
The Pakistani military has been on high alert since India’s statements regarding retribution. Over the past four days, Pakistani forces have opened fire at Indian posts across the LoC in Poonch and Kupwara sectors, violating the 2021 ceasefire agreement. The Indian Army responded effectively, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Unlike previous brief ceasefire breaches, the recent violations are part of an alarming escalation, with simultaneous attacks along multiple sectors of the 740-km frontier, marking the worst cross-border flare-up in four years.
India’s Diplomatic and Strategic Moves
India has already launched a raft of punitive measures against Islamabad. These include:
- Suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a historic bilateral pact on river water sharing.
- Closure of the only functional land border crossing at Attari.
- Downgrading diplomatic relations by expelling Pakistani military attachés.
In retaliation, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade, including transactions through third countries. Additionally, Pakistan warned that any interference with the Indus water flow would be considered an “act of war”.
Cross-Border Linkages and Global Outrage
India has cited credible “cross-border linkages” in the Pahalgam attack, claiming involvement of Pakistani-based terror outfits. The April 22 assault resulted in the deaths of 25 Hindu tourists and one local man, and has drawn widespread condemnation domestically and internationally.
The attack was reportedly claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, and coincided with the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India, further intensifying diplomatic stakes.
 "Rajnath Briefs PM Modi After Pahalgam Terror Attack; India Prepares ‘Harshest Response’ Amid LoC Escalation 3")
Security Review at Highest Level After Continued LoC Violations
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to brief him on the evolving security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack, and to discuss the military’s preparedness in light of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).
The crucial 40-minute meeting came just hours after Pakistani troops opened fire at multiple Indian posts in the Poonch and Kupwara sectors, marking the fourth consecutive night of unprovoked aggression. The escalation comes against the backdrop of India’s decisive steps, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Attari land border crossing.
J&K Assembly Stands United Against Terrorism
Earlier in the day, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution expressing deep anguish over the attack that claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during the discussion, made it clear that he would not use the tragedy to push for statehood for the Union Territory, emphasizing that “cheap politics” has no place in this moment of grief.
The resolution, notably, did not mention Pakistan but affirmed the resolve to defeat all designs aimed at disturbing communal harmony in the region.
Pahalgam Attack: The Deadliest Strike Since 2008
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam saw heavily armed terrorists targeting tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow. Of the 26 deceased, 25 were tourists and 24 were Hindus. Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility for the attack, which coincided with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India.
India has since identified three Pakistani nationals linked to the assault, backed by signal intelligence data pointing to Islamabad’s role. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s resolve to give the “harshest punishment” to the perpetrators and their handlers.
LoC Fires Flare Up Across Wider Front
The ceasefire violations have now spread from sectors north of the Pir Panjal range to the southern sectors like Poonch, signaling Pakistan’s intent to activate the entire volatile frontier. Officials noted that Indian troops responded promptly and effectively to the provocations.
Unlike previous isolated violations, the current pattern involves sustained firing across multiple sectors, posing the most serious challenge to the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures and Rising Tensions
Pakistan has retaliated diplomatically by closing its airspace to Indian airlines, suspending bilateral trade, and threatening to suspend agreements like the Simla Accord. There are fears that the situation may worsen, with the potential use of heavier artillery along the LoC not being ruled out.
Conclusion: A Test of Resolve-Strategic Patience or Swift Retaliation?
As tensions escalate, India’s leadership has emphasized a calculated yet firm response to acts of terror and ceasefire breaches. The coming days will likely be critical in shaping the next phase of Indo-Pak relations, as both military and diplomatic channels brace for further developments.
With tensions at their peak and the LoC witnessing its most violent spell since 2021, all eyes remain on India’s next steps. Whether through military precision strikes, diplomatic isolation, or a combination of both, the government appears poised to act decisively.
As PM Modi’s words resonate across the nation, the sentiment is clear: terrorism will not go unpunished, and India will respond with strength, resolve, and unity.
