Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified on Friday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sharp rebuke of Islamabad in connection with the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
Addressing a gathering in Katra, Modi described the assault as a direct strike on “insaniyat and Kashmiriyat”, alleging it was designed to “incite riots in India and to disrupt the livelihood of the hardworking people of Kashmir”.
The Prime Minister further stated, “That is why Pakistan targeted the tourists.”
Praising the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi remarked, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now determined to give a strong response to terrorism. This is the same terrorism that burned down schools, destroyed hospitals in the Valley, and ruined generations.”
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to the comments, issuing a formal statement rejecting Modi’s accusations.
“We are deeply dismayed that the Indian prime minister has once again chosen to accuse Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, without presenting a single piece of credible evidence,” the statement said, further terming the Indian Prime Minister’s comments “baseless and misleading.”
Also read: Pahalgam attack targeted 'insaniyat & Kashmiriyat': PM Modi
Escalation after Pahalgam attack
On 22 April, terrorists opened fire on civilians at Baisaran near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 people. In response, India implemented several punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Two weeks later, on 7 May, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). More than 100 terrorists were reportedly eliminated during the operation.
Pakistan reportedly attempted retaliatory measures using cross-border shelling, drones, and UAVs, but Indian security forces claimed to have successfully neutralised each attempt.
The situation further escalated on the night of 9–10 May, when India conducted strikes on thirteen Pakistani air bases and military facilities.
On 10 May, following four days of cross-border hostilities, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart to propose a cessation of hostilities. The two nations subsequently agreed to halt further military action against each other.
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