Saturday, March 29, 2025
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, has triggered widespread outrage and protests across India and among the Indian diaspora abroad. Here are the 10 main developments:
Major Pro-India Protest in London:
On April 25, members of the Indian diaspora staged a large protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Protesters waved the Indian tricolor and chanted slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” The pro-India crowd outnumbered a small group of British Pakistanis who had gathered nearby.
NIA Takes Over Investigation:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the Pahalgam attack probe, accelerating evidence collection and witness questioning to uncover the terrorist conspiracy.
China Backs Pakistan:
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, China reiterated its support for Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar that China understands Pakistan’s security concerns and supports its sovereignty and interests. China also called for a “neutral investigation” and urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint.
Crackdown in Kashmir:
Indian authorities have detained over 1,500 people in Kashmir following the attack and demolished several homes linked to suspected militants. India has accused Pakistan of backing the group responsible, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors1.
Pakistani Nationals Arrested in Chhattisgarh:
Two Pakistani nationals were arrested in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly obtaining Indian voter IDs and other documents using false information. They were found with valid Pakistani passports and long-term visas.
Social Media Arrest in Uttarakhand:
A youth was arrested for posting objectionable comments about the Pahalgam attack and threatening to demolish a temple on Facebook, following the demolition of a ‘mazar’ at a government hospital in Dehradun.
Indian Navy Demonstrates Readiness:
The Indian Navy conducted successful anti-ship missile firings, reaffirming its preparedness for long-range offensive strikes amid the heightened tensions.
Political Reactions:
BJP criticized opposition leaders for allegedly echoing Pakistan’s narrative, while AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned Pakistan’s actions and compared the attack to ISIS-style terrorism.
Ceasefire Violations on LoC:
Tensions have risen along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan violating the ceasefire for the third consecutive day. Indian forces responded strongly, targeting Pakistani positions in northern Kashmir.
Cross-Border Movement:
In the past three days, 537 Pakistani nationals have left India via the Attari border, while at least 850 Indian citizens have returned to India.
The Pahalgam attack has significantly escalated hostilities between India and Pakistan, leading to diplomatic, security, and public responses on both sides. The situation remains tense, with both countries taking strong measures and the international community closely monitoring developments139.
