Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: Houses of four terrorists razed after Pahalgam terror attack

"India has suspended the Indus water treaty as part of several steps that have been taken towards the killing of 26 innocent tourists by Pakistan-linked terrorists...Pakistan must understand that Indus Water Treaty has been a stand that India took in a positive time. If you continue to have this kind of ghastly terror attacks, this is one of the proactive steps govt has taken," she said.

In a major crackdown on terrorism following the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, authorities have razed the houses of four terrorists across different districts of Kashmir over the past 24 hours, officials said on Saturday. The demolitions were carried out in Pulwama, Shopian, Kupwara, and Kulgam districts, targeting properties linked to active militants.

Earlier, the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists — including the prime suspect behind the Pahalgam attack — were destroyed when explosives stored there detonated during the night between Thursday and Friday.

Among the latest actions, the house of Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh in Pulwama's Muran area was torn down. Officials said Sheikh, trained in Pakistan in 2018, had recently infiltrated into the Valley. In Shopian’s Chotipora area, the residence of top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Shahid Ahmad Kuttay, allegedly involved in multiple anti-national activities, was also demolished.

In Kulgam's Matalhama area, the house of Zakir Ahmad Ganie, active since 2023 and suspected in several terror activities, was razed. Additionally, security forces demolished a property in Kupwara’s Kalaroos area, belonging to Farooq Ahmad Tedwa and Miskeen Ahmad Tedwa, both currently operating from Pakistan.

Officials said the move sends a strong message amid renewed efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure in the Valley.

"According to the reports coming from the ground, terrorists separated men and women, and killed the men after asking their religion. This means it was an agenda. They not just targeted humanity and Kashmiriyat, they also targeted the livelihood of Kashmiris. The entire country has to defeat this agenda now. Now is the time for the country to come together and stand up in front of this fake agenda that has been set up. Jammu and Kashmir and the whole of India have never stood up together against terrorism in such large numbers, as is being seen now," he said.

Union home minister Amit Shah held a high-level meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to review the law and order situation in the national capital in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. During the meeting at the ministry of home affairs, Shah directed the commissioner to ensure that security is tightened and law and order is maintained without compromise, officials said.

Police sources confirmed that the home minister instructed authorities to bolster security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents. Shah also emphasized the need for strict verification measures and ordered that no Pakistani national should be residing illegally in Delhi. The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was part of a broader strategy to strengthen internal security across the country following heightened tensions.

"I think the time for Indian government to talk is over and now the time for action has begun. We want to give a strong reply to Pakistani army and administration so that they can never repeat what happened in Pahalgam. Today is the right time to take POK and make it a part of India... In the all-party meeting, we had said that we will support the government in all actions against the Pakistani administration. We have made an additional request that there has been some intelligence and security lapse in Pahalgam... Those who have lost their loved ones want justice," he said.

"President HH Mohamed Bin Zayed of UAE called PM Narendra Modi and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives in the barbaric terror attack on the Indian soil of Jammu & Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full solidarity and support with India. PM appreciated his sentiments and words of sympathy and support. Both leaders agreed that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations. PM conveyed India's strong resolve to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime and their supporters to justice," MEA said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack with a special beating retreat ceremony held in Jammu and Kashmir’s RS Pura sector. The solemn event honoured those who lost their lives in one of the deadliest strikes in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Meanwhile, in a parallel move to strengthen security measures, Srinagar Police launched extensive searches across the city targeting Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorist associates linked to banned outfits. Searches were conducted at the residences of 63 individuals under proper legal protocols, with Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses present. The operations, supervised by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, aimed to gather evidence, seize weapons and digital devices, and dismantle networks conspiring against national security.

"8-9 people have been arrested so far. One MLA also spoke in favour of Pakistan, that is why he is in prison. I will do this again. I will take any action against such people," he said.

"First of all, terrorism must be rooted out; until terrorism is eradicated, such incidents will keep on occurring. Our first concern is that the country's people remain safe; for this, the Indian government should take whatever action is required," he said.

"We said in the all-party meeting that whatever steps you want to take, take them, we are with you... we don't want any politics on this, our fight is against those who kill people after asking their religion, caste, there should be no politics on this. At this time, the whole country is united, and we should fight together against terrorism," he added.

"Many people embrace these principles wholeheartedly, while others do not do so and continue to foment trouble. In such a situation, the religion states that it not to be vanquished by aggressors is also the part of dharma (duty). Teaching hooligans a lesson is also part of the duty," he said.

"We never insult or harm our neighbours. But if someone turns to evil, what is the other option? The duty of the king is to protect the people, the king must perform his duty," he added.

Following Islamabad's decision to suspend all trade with New Delhi in retaliation for India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani health authorities have initiated "emergency preparedness" measures to safeguard pharmaceutical supplies, Geo News reported.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that while no formal notification has been issued regarding the trade halt’s impact on the pharmaceutical sector, contingency plans are already underway to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines. The move comes amid growing concerns over potential shortages triggered by the abrupt disruption of trade links with India.

"President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran @drpezeshkian called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and conveyed his condolences for the victims. Both leaders agreed that there could be no justication for such acts of terror and all those who believe in humanity must stand together in the fight against terrorism. PM shared the anger and anguish of the people of India and their resolve to deal with those behind the terror attack and their supporters, firmly and decisively. PM also conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives in the explosion in Bandar Abbas today and wished speedy recovery for those injured,” MEA informed.

Srinagar Police recently carried out extensive searches at multiple locations across the city, targeting the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates of banned terrorist outfits as part of investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to an official release, the police conducted searches at the homes of 63 individuals.

The searches were carried out in full compliance with legal procedures, with executive magistrates and independent witnesses present, under the supervision of J&K Police officers. The primary aim was to seize weapons, documents, digital devices, and other materials to collect evidence and gather intelligence to prevent potential conspiratorial or terrorist activities threatening national security.

In a joint operation, Kulgam Police, along with the Army and CRPF, arrested two terrorist associates and seized a cache of arms and ammunition in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. During a routine checkpoint at Matalhama Chowk Thokerpora, Qaimoh, security forces intercepted and detained two individuals — Bilal Ahmad Bhat and Mohd Ismail Bhat, both residents of Thokerpora, Qaimoh. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of two pistols, two pistol magazines, and 25 rounds of ammunition, officials said.

"If a Hamas-type attack happens, an Israel-type revenge will be taken. If terrorists and Jihadis have no religion, then why are they killing people after asking about their religion? 140 crore Indians want to ask this question to those so-called secularists...PM Modi has said that they will be given such a punishment, they won't even be able to imagine," he said.

"This morning, at around 10 o'clock after the office of immigration and customs opened, 75 persons of Pakistani nationality crossed the border from the Pakistani side. Similarly, 335 Indian nationals, who had gone to Pakistan on a visa, have returned to India," he said.

"The people had forgotten the bunkers. The bunkers are being cleaned again now. There is an atmosphere of fear, but we hope harmony will prevail in the valley," a resident of Karmarha village told ANI.

"We are with the government, we stand by them. We strongly condemn the terror attack, we are in support of our army and administration. Whenever they need us, we are ready to provide any possible support, even lay down our lives," another resident said.

She announced a compensation package for the families of the three victims from the state who were killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The victims have been identified as Bitan Adhikari from Patuli, Kolkata; Samir Guha from Behala, Kolkata; and Manish Ranjan from Jhalda, Purulia.

Each bereaved family will receive Rs 10 lakh in compensation. In Bitan Adhikari’s case, the amount will be split equally between his wife and parents, with each receiving Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, Adhikari’s parents will be granted a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 and coverage under the state’s flagship health scheme, Swasthya Sathi.

The state government has also pledged to provide a government job to a family member of any of the victims, should they wish to take up the offer.

Earlier, he visited the family of Kaustubh Ganbote in Pune to offer his condolences. Ganbote, a snacks business owner from Kondhwa, was among the 26 victims killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. He had traveled to Kashmir with his wife, Sangita, and the family of his close friend Santosh Jagdale. The chief minister is also scheduled to visit Jagdale’s residence to meet his family and pay his respects.

"The two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life – religion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirations," Munir said addressing Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) parade in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.

"The whole country is upset because of the incident that happened in Pahalgam. The country and world have shown that they stand united against terrorism after this incident. In the coming days, there will be strict action against terrorism...terrorism can't be tolerated... PM Modi has taken the initiative to fight terrorism, and we will see its results," he said.

"The whole country stands with the families of the tourists who have been martyred. No one can reduce their grief and pain. We all condemn such incidents and when the all-party meeting was held, all the parties came together and stood with the government against this terrorist incident carried out by terrorists. Samajwadi Party also believes that whatever concrete steps the government wants to take, it should take them to respond to Pakistan. We hope that the government will take concrete steps," he said.

"We hope that when the government has received so much support, there will be no security failure in future. Now, even children feel that this was an intelligence failure. We also want to say that no political gains should be made from such incidents. We hope that the government will take concrete steps regarding the security of the country, security of the borders and the economy of the country," he added.

Amid heightened security concerns following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists currently active in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources cited by ANI, these operatives — aged between 20 and 40 — are playing a key role in supporting Pakistani militants by providing logistics and critical local intelligence.

The intelligence report links the individuals to three Pakistan-backed terrorist groups: Hizbul Mujahideen (three operatives), Lashkar-e-Taiba (eight operatives), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (three operatives). The identified militants include Adil Rehman Dentoo, Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh, Haris Nazir, Aamir Nazir Wani, Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday, Naseer Ahmed Wani, Shahid Ahmed Kutay, Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani, Haroon Rashid Ganai, and Zakir Ahmed Ganie, officials said.

The Resistance Front (TRF) — linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba — has now denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22. After initially admitting responsibility, the group issued a statement claiming that "any attribution of this act to TRF is false, hasty, and part of an orchestrated campaign to malign the Kashmiri resistance."

Meanwhile, the BJP took a swipe at Pakistan’s army, suggesting that TRF's sudden denial reflects growing fear within terror networks following India's strong diplomatic and strategic measures.

"Whatever steps the government takes in response to impose a ‘water lockdown’, we will fully support them," he said.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the central government announced a series of tough diplomatic measures. These included closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals — giving them 40 hours to leave India — and downsizing diplomatic staff at both high commissions. Additionally, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, signed with Pakistan in 1960, signaling a hardening of its stance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation, vowed that the terrorists responsible, along with their conspirators, would face punishment "beyond their imagination." He declared that the time had come to dismantle the remaining bastions of terrorism, adding that the collective willpower of 140 crore Indians would break the backbone of those who spread terror.

Siddaramaiah accused PM Modi of misleading the public over the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He further criticized the prime minister for skipping the all-party meeting convened by the Centre after the incident, choosing instead to attend an election rally in Bihar.

"The prime minister should have been there during the all-party meeting. He had gone to electioneering in Bihar. So what is important to him? He is putting 'Topi' (hat) on people (meaning fooling people)," Siddaramaiah said.

"There is no need for war. We are not in favour of it. We should take stringent measures. That's it. Security should be beefed up," he added.

"Helicopters could not land here. After the incident of Pahalgam, I got the chance to come here today... I want to assure the people that we are with them. Their biggest demand is that they want to be settled elsewhere. The DC has already been instructed about it," he said.

"I can understand the fear among the tourists. Those who come here on a vacation don't want to experience any fear... But I want to tell them that if they leave Kashmir during these times, then it may make our enemies win. They targeted tourists because they wanted to send all the tourists out of Kashmir," he added.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation was launched today by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Camp Machil and the Indian Army’s 12 SIKHLI unit in the forested area of Sedori Nala, Mushtaqabad Machil (Samsha Behak forest region). During the operation, a terrorist hideout was successfully located and busted. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site, including 5 AK-47 Rifles, 8 AK-47 Magazines, one pistol, one pistol magazine, 660 rounds of AK-47 Ammunition, one pistol round and 50 rounds of M4 Ammunition, said J&K Police.

Nagarik Yuva Shakti Nepal staged a protest outside the Pakistani embassy in Kathmandu in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a Nepali tourist.

Demonstrators, mostly youth, held placards and a photo of 27-year-old Sudip Neupane from Butawal—one of the victims—and shouted slogans such as "Down with Islamic terrorism," "Punish the terrorist," and "Stop killing the Hindus." The attack was reportedly carried out by The Resistance Front, a group affiliated with the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Additionally, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party held a separate protest at the same location on Saturday, condemning the incident.

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday strongly dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reported offer to participate in a ‘neutral investigation’ into the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it an act of fear and deflection.

Speaking to reporters, Majumdar said, “What investigation will these people do? Can a thief ever investigate his own theft?” He further added, “The Prime Minister of Pakistan is saying this out of fear. This fear is good, he should have this fear.”

Majumdar asserted that India would respond with strength whenever necessary. “When Pakistan is not prepared, that's when we will hit them, and we will hit them hard,” he said.

The remarks come after a terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a Nepali citizen, and injured several others. Indian authorities have blamed cross-border terrorism for the attack, intensifying security operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reported statement expressing readiness to join a neutral investigation into the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the offer, citing Pakistan’s initial denial and blame on India.

“First of all, they did not even recognise that something had happened in Pahalgam. First, they said that India was behind it,” Omar said, addressing reporters in Ramban on Saturday. “For the people who made allegations against us in the first place, it is difficult to say anything about it now.”

Abdullah emphasized the gravity of the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and underscoring that such attacks should never occur. However, he declined to give further weight to Islamabad’s shifting stance. “I don't want to give much importance to their statements,” he added.

The comments come days after terrorists opened fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 26 people, including one Nepali national, and injuring several others. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted a large-scale crackdown across Jammu and Kashmir.

In a strong move against attempts to justify or whitewash the recent Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, Assam authorities have arrested 10 individuals, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Saturday.

The Assam CMO stated that strict action is underway against those spreading narratives that defend or dilute the gravity of the terror incident. Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any such activities to local authorities without delay.

"Strict action is underway against those attempting to justify or whitewash the #PahalgamTerroristAttack. So far, 10 individuals have been identified and arrested. Everyone is urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any such incidents to local authorities without delay," the Assam CMO said in a statement.

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The crackdown in Assam comes amid nationwide efforts to curb the spread of extremist narratives following the attack.

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have intensified operations across Anantnag district to dismantle terror networks and prevent further attacks.

On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. Responding to the incident, Anantnag Police, in coordination with the Army, CRPF, and other security agencies, have launched widespread cordon and search operations (CASOs) across the district.

Authorities said numerous raids have been conducted at various locations, with both day and night search operations underway. Around 175 suspects have been detained so far for questioning, as security forces work to disrupt the ecosystem supporting terror activities.

To tighten security, additional Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been established to monitor suspicious movements. Patrolling and ambush operations have been intensified, particularly in dense forest areas, where terrorists may attempt to hide.

In a statement, Anantnag Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and urged the public to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police establishment.

Meanwhile, security forces have also been placed on high alert in the Rajouri region. Thorough vehicle checks are being conducted along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, with heavy deployment to prevent any untoward incidents.

On Friday, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar to review the security situation. General Dwivedi was briefed on the actions being taken against terrorists operating within Jammu and Kashmir, as well as on the Pakistan Army's attempts to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control.

Security forces carried out extensive search operations at multiple locations in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting residences linked to individuals associated with terrorist activities.

The crackdown comes amid heightened security measures across Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that New India seeks peace but will not hesitate to respond strongly if provoked.

Speaking at a public event in Lakhimpur Kheri, Yogi said, "Yeh naya Bharat kisi ko chhedta nahin lekin agar koi chhedega toh usko chhodega bhi nahin (New India does not provoke anyone, but if provoked, it will not spare them)."

He underlined that there is no space for terrorism or anarchy in Indian society, saying, "The Government of India's model of security, service, and good governance is rooted in development. It focuses on the welfare of the poor and the security of all."

Issuing a strong warning, Yogi added,
"If anyone dares to breach our security, then under the policy of zero tolerance, New India is ready to give a befitting reply in the language they understand."

The remarks come amid heightened national security concerns following recent terror attacks and rising diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.

Union minister Piyush Goyal hit out at Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari over his provocative remarks following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Responding sharply, Goyal said, "Pakistan is a despondent country and they don't have any priority apart from spreading terror. It is unfortunate for the world that there is a presence of such politicians in it."

He added, "I condemn this and I am sure Pakistani nationals also don't agree with such statements."

Bilawal Bhutto had earlier warned that “either water will flow in the Indus or their blood will,” after India, citing Pakistan’s support for terrorism, formally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty under Article XII(3).

Goyal’s remarks come amid rising tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, widely considered a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India has intensified its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, warning of severe consequences for cross-border terrorism and beginning deportation procedures for Pakistani nationals with short-term visas.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday delivered a strong warning to Pakistan, declaring that the Pahalgam terror attack was a "cross-border assault" that would have serious consequences.

Calling the April 22 attack “unequivocally a cross-border terrorist attack unleashed by a neighbouring state,” Puri said, "Unlike before, no business will continue. Like PM Modi said, Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price—and this is just the beginning."

Puri condemned Pakistan as a "rogue state in terminal decline," adding that the world was united in denouncing the attack that claimed 26 lives, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen.

‘Tell him to jump in water’: Puri mocks Bilawal Bhutto over Indus threat

Taking a swipe at Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s reaction to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Puri said,
"I heard his statement... Tell him to jump somewhere in water. Well, how will he, when there will be no water... Do not dignify such statements. They will understand soon enough."

Bhutto, speaking from Sukkur, had threatened that "either water will flow in the Indus, or their blood will," sparking sharp reactions across India.

India, citing Pakistan’s continued support for terror groups and changing realities, has invoked Article XII(3) of the treaty and formally notified Pakistan of its suspension.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday informed about the arrests of individuals carried out by the police for allegedly extending support to Pakistan amid heightened tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were brutally killed.

He said that the Cachar Police have arrested two individuals for posting content that supports Pakistan. The two arrested individuals have been identified as Baktar Hussain Barbhuiya, resident of Ramnagar under Sonai police station, and Md. Imran Hussain Borbhuiya, resident of Malugram Ganiwala under Silchar police station.

"Cachar Police has arrested two more individuals for posting content supporting Pakistan on social media: Baktar Hussain Barbhuiya, resident of Ramnagar under Sonai Police Station. Md. Imran Hussain Borbhuiya, resident of Malugram Ganiwala under Silchar Police Station," Sarma posted on X.

Sarma said that Md Mustak Ahmed was also arrested for posting "Pakistan Zindabad" on Facebook. His arrest took place late on Friday night, and the accused is a resident of Saykut village under the jurisdiction of Karimganj police station.

“Peace is our preference, not our weakness,” he said, asserting that Pakistan will never compromise on its dignity or security under any circumstances

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning against any attempts to stop or divert Pakistan’s water share under the Indus Waters Treaty. Describing water as a "vital, national interest," Sharif emphasized that any interference would be met with a strong and resolute response from Pakistan.

Speaking to the press, Sharif said, "No one should harbour any illusions about Pakistan’s resolve on this matter." He reaffirmed that Pakistan will not allow its water resources to be compromised and would take all necessary actions to protect its interests.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said his country is willing to participate in a neutral probe into the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists.

"Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation," Sharif said in a statement from Islamabad. He condemned the attack and emphasised that allegations must be supported by evidence through an impartial process.

The comments come as India holds Pakistan-based groups responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, after which New Delhi revoked visas for Pakistani nationals and tightened security protocols.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said his country is ready to cooperate on a "neutral investigation" into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that left 26 tourists dead.

The comment comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following New Delhi’s strong reaction to the April 22 attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire on tourists. In response, India revoked visas for Pakistani nationals and tightened security protocols at international borders.

India has so far maintained that it holds Pakistan-based groups responsible for cross-border terrorism and has called for firm global action.

Amid ongoing airspace restrictions, aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday issued an advisory to Indian airlines, directing them to enhance passenger communication and in-flight services as international flight durations get longer.

Following Pakistan’s closure of its airspace for Indian carriers, flights, especially those operating from northern cities like Delhi, are facing extended flying hours and potential technical stops. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said operations have been significantly impacted due to rerouting and overflight restrictions, leading to longer block times than originally scheduled.

The advisory issued focuses on five key areas: pre-flight passenger communication, in-flight catering and comfort, medical preparedness and alternate aerodrome planning, customer service and support readiness, and intra-departmental coordination.

DGCA stressed the need for airlines to keep passengers informed about flight duration changes, ensure availability of adequate food and comfort measures during longer flights, be prepared for medical emergencies, and maintain robust customer support systems.

The regulator said the advisory aims to ensure smooth handling of passengers amid operational challenges arising from recent international airspace developments.

Congress leader Udit Raj has called for strong and decisive action against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Speaking on Saturday, Raj said the incident has “united the entire world in support of India” and urged the government to act firmly.

“This is the right time for the Indian government to teach Pakistan a lesson,” he said. “The Congress party fully supports any decisive action by the government—we assured the same during the all-party meeting.”

Udit Raj added that the time had come to “destroy all terrorist hideouts and take strong action so that Pakistan dares not repeat such acts again.”

His remarks come amid growing political and public pressure on the government to respond to what India has described as a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack.

The mortal remains of Havildar J Ali Shaikh, who laid down his life during an encounter with terrorists in the Dudu Basantgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, were brought to Kolkata airport late Friday night.

Wrapped in the tricolour, the soldier's body arrived amid a solemn atmosphere. Family members, fellow army personnel, and local authorities gathered at the airport to pay their respects. A ceremonial guard of honour was given to the fallen soldier.

Havildar Shaikh was part of the security forces team that engaged in a fierce gunbattle with terrorists earlier this week. The operation, which lasted several hours, resulted in the elimination of two militants but also claimed the lives of two soldiers, including Shaikh.

Shaikh hailed from West Bengal and had served in the Indian Army with distinction for over a decade. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief in his hometown, where villagers are preparing for his final rites with full military honours.

The encounter in Udhampur was part of a broader counter-terrorism push following the recent Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead. Security has been tightened across the region in the aftermath.