In the wake of the heartbreaking terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives—many of them tourists seeking peace in the Valley—the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The nation still grieves, but behind the scenes, India’s top decision-makers are working tirelessly to ensure such horrors are not repeated.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, brought together key members of the security and diplomatic apparatus—Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Their collective focus: to assess the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and prepare a measured but firm response to an attack that has once again shaken the nation’s conscience.
Sources close to the discussions reveal that the Prime Minister has granted the armed forces complete operational freedom—trusting their judgment to determine the mode, target, and timing of any potential counter-operations. This reflects a shift from reactive posturing to proactive strategy, especially amid signs of cross-border involvement in the April 22 attack.
This was the second CCS meeting since the tragedy. The first, held the day after the incident, led to significant diplomatic and strategic decisions: suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari border crossing, and a downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan. These actions reflect a growing national consensus that terror cannot be tolerated—and must be answered with strength and clarity.
Meanwhile, political voices are rising across the spectrum. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs will soon decide on a special Parliament session, a demand made by opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. They call for a unified national front to show collective resolve in the face of tragedy.
Yet, the political discourse wasn’t without controversy. Meghwal also criticized Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav for a controversial image blending his face with that of B.R. Ambedkar, calling it disrespectful to the father of the Constitution.
In a further sign of rising tensions, India on Wednesday banned Pakistani airlines from using its airspace—a retaliatory measure after Pakistan barred Indian carriers last week. A formal NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued, indicating just how fast diplomatic channels are closing in this heightened environment.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in Pahalgam, what’s clear is that India is recalibrating its stance—militarily, diplomatically, and politically. The message is becoming clearer by the day: when terror strikes, there will be consequences.
