Amid escalating tension with Pakistan over a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, two of the Indian government’s most influential cabinet panels convened on Monday to chart a decisive response.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met for the second time following the Pahalgam attack. This was followed by deliberations of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), as pressure builds from the Opposition for a special session of Parliament to address the situation.

Key decisions and reactions

While formal details from today’s CCS meeting are yet to emerge, sources indicated that during its earlier session, the CCS had taken strong steps against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a key bilateral agreement.

The CCS had earlier issued a stern condemnation of the attack, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The intelligence briefing to the committee outlined clear cross-border connections to the attackers, who reportedly aimed to sabotage the peace, electoral process, and developmental progress in the region.

The local population’s response to the attack has also been striking. Protesters in the region decried the violence, seeing it as an assault on the Valley’s fragile economic recovery driven by tourism. Their anger, however, has not deterred all travellers.

Tourists remain defiant

Many tourists who had planned their trips before the attack have chosen not to cancel. While expressing disappointment over the closure of certain sites, several visitors reported feeling secure.

One such tourist, Keval Patel from Ahmedabad, shared his experience, saying, “We were initially hesitant after hearing about the attack. But our family decided to go ahead, and now that we’re here in Pahalgam, it feels safe.”

Political pressure mounts

Following the CCS meet, the CCPA turned its attention to calls from Opposition leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who have written to Prime Minister Modi urging the government to convene a special parliamentary session. Their stated aim: to present a united political front against terrorism.

PM Modi’s message

According to sources, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s determination to strike firmly against terrorism, and voiced complete confidence in the Indian armed forces to uphold national security.

Amid heightened security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Key officials attending the meeting include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG), along with senior representatives from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Meanwhile, extensive counter-terrorism operations are ongoing at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Sources familiar with the matter noted that, due to the sensitive nature of these operations, no specific updates are currently being disclosed.

In a related development on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 13 locations in the Doda district, targeting terrorist hideouts and individuals suspected of links to terrorist activities.

Additionally, Srinagar Police carried out a series of extensive searches across the city. These operations focused on the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates linked to banned terrorist outfits, as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to a police statement, searches were conducted at the homes of 63 individuals. These operations were executed in accordance with legal procedures, under the supervision of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, aiming to collect evidence such as weapons, documents, and digital devices to thwart any potential conspiracies threatening national security.

In a tragic turn of events, actor Rohit Basfore, known for his role in the upcoming third season of The Family Man, was found dead near the Garbhanga Waterfalls in Guwahati on Sunday, April 27. The incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among fans.

According to police reports, Basfore had gone on a picnic with nine colleagues when the mishap occurred. Officials from Rani Police Outpost stated that he allegedly fell into the waterfall around 2 pm. The authorities were alerted by 4 pm, and a rescue operation led by the SDRF team resulted in the recovery of his body at approximately 6.30 pm.

Initial findings suggest that Basfore died by accidental drowning, with the police currently not suspecting foul play. However, the final confirmation on the cause of death will depend on the awaited post-mortem report. Despite the preliminary conclusions, Basfore’s family members have voiced concerns over possible foul play, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In recent weeks, Rohit Basfore had shared glimpses from the set of Family Man 3 on his social media, expressing excitement about his experience. He posted photographs alongside co-actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Dalip Tahil, reflecting on his enthusiasm for learning and acting.

The Family Man series, a creation by Raj & DK for a leading OTT platform, stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role of Srikant Tiwari. The popular thriller debuted its first season in 2019, followed by a second season in 2021, and has gained a loyal fanbase awaiting its third chapter.

As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and colleagues mourn the untimely loss of a budding talent whose career was just beginning to blossom.