New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), after returning to the national capital from Saudi Arabia, cutting short his visit in the wake of the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The high-level meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence, was convened to assess the security situation following the attack that left several civilians dead and injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were in attendance.
The CCS meet comes a day after unidentified terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over security in the Valley.
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Singh condemned the “cowardly” attack and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism.
“We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism,” Singh said while addressing an event in the capital. “The perpetrators and those aiding them will face a loud and clear response. I assure the nation that we will take every necessary step to deliver justice.”
Offering his condolences to the bereaved families, Singh said the loss of innocent lives has caused deep anguish across the country.
“We are deeply distressed. I express my heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones,” he added.
The Defence Minister also chaired a separate security meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Air Force Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and other top officials to review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the meeting focused on strengthening security infrastructure and assessing intelligence inputs in the region.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in Srinagar earlier on Wednesday, visited the terror attack site in Pahalgam. He also led a security review meeting with senior officials, including those from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and central intelligence agencies.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached the site to assist local authorities in the probe. Security forces have since launched massive search operations in the region, and additional deployments have been made in key locations to prevent further incidents.
The attack marks a grim reminder of persistent terror threats in the Union Territory despite heightened surveillance and repeated counter-insurgency operations. The government, sources said, is expected to push for intensified intelligence coordination and stricter counterterrorism measures in the coming days.
