On Wednesday, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi attributed the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, to a significant intelligence lapse, describing it as more devastating and alarming than the Uri and Pulwama attacks. He urged the Narendra Modi government to hold those responsible accountable for the failure.

Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Owaisi condemned the attack, in which terrorists targeted innocent civilians after questioning their religion. “This brutal act demands the strongest condemnation. We expect the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators,” he said, expressing hope that swift justice would be delivered to the victims’ families.

He emphasized the need for the government to address the intelligence shortcomings that allowed the attack to occur.

Owaisi, representing Hyderabad in Parliament, extended AIMIM’s solidarity to the victims’ families and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. Labeling the Pahalgam attack a “massacre,” he called for a thorough review of the government’s counter-terrorism strategies.

“The Modi administration must assess whether its deterrence policies are effective,” he stated, stressing the need for a robust response to prevent future incidents.

He further noted that the attackers, believed to have infiltrated from a neighboring country, aimed to sow fear and target innocent lives in India.

The assault, which took place on Tuesday in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, claimed at least 26 lives, including two foreign nationals and two locals, while injuring several others. Owaisi’s remarks underscore the urgency of strengthening security measures and ensuring accountability to restore public confidence and deliver justice.

India’s sports community was struck by a wave of sorrow and anger following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Many athletes joined the nation in condemning the violence, with some advocating for a complete halt to sporting relations with Pakistan.

The assault, which claimed at least 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists, and injured several others, occurred in a popular tourist area in south Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli voiced their grief over the tragedy. Tendulkar shared, “The pain of the affected families is unimaginable. India and the world mourn with them, standing united in the pursuit of justice.” Kohli posted on Instagram, “My heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. I pray for peace, strength, and swift justice for this brutal act.” Other cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, echoed similar sentiments. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj shared a poignant message: “Targeting innocent people under the guise of religion is pure evil. No belief or cause can justify such horror. What kind of fight disregards human life? May this terror end, and may the perpetrators face unrelenting punishment.”

Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami issued a fiery call to end all sports ties with Pakistan. “This tragedy proves why we shouldn’t play cricket with Pakistan—ever. When the BCCI and government refused to send the team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some called it political. But taking innocent Indian lives seems to be their true game,” he wrote. Having recently visited Pahalgam and felt its renewed sense of calm, Goswami added, “This bloodshed breaks your spirit. How long must we remain ‘sporting’ while our people perish? No more.” India has avoided bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012-13, and the BCCI opted out of the recent Champions Trophy in Pakistan, though other Indian teams have attended multi-nation events there.

Olympic bronze medalist and BJP member Vijender Singh, visibly outraged, demanded strong action. “Our valiant forces will deliver a powerful response to this cowardly attack. Those trying to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed against India’s brave defenders,” he asserted.

Indian cricket coach and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir vowed accountability, stating, “My thoughts are with the grieving families. Those responsible will face justice. India will respond decisively.” Badminton star PV Sindhu wrote, “The Pahalgam attack is heart-wrenching. No cause can justify such cruelty. To the families in pain, you are not alone. Let’s unite and hold onto hope for peace.”

Olympians and Athletes Unite in Condemnation
Olympic gold medalists Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra expressed their devastation. Chopra wrote, “Shattered by the tragedy in Jammu & Kashmir. My prayers go out to the victims and their families.” Bindra added, “The Pahalgam attack is appalling. Violence and hatred have no place in our world. We must stand together against terror.”

The attack, the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, prompted strong reactions across the sports world. Suresh Raina stated, “We condemn this Pakistan-sponsored act. India stands with our Army, J&K Police, and Paramilitary forces in the fight for justice.” Harbhajan Singh wrote, “My heart breaks for those lost in this unforgivable tragedy.”

Hockey legend PR Sreejesh, shuttler Saina Nehwal, and boxer Nikhat Zareen also called for accountability. Sreejesh declared, “Mere words of condemnation aren’t enough—justice must prevail. Terror cannot win.” Nehwal posted, “This attack underscores the threats we face. India is united, and justice will be served. Jai Hind.” Zareen added, “Attacking innocents is an attack on humanity. The Pahalgam tragedy demands immediate justice.”

Former cricketer Parthiv Patel expressed shock: “I’m stunned and furious. The cruelty of this act leaves me numb, but justice will be served.” Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Anil Kumble offered condolences, with Kumble stating, “Innocent lives lost to mindless violence. Let’s stand against hate and support the families.” Ravi Shastri called it “a vile act that should unite the nation without exception.”

The unified outrage from India’s sports fraternity underscores a collective demand for justice and a reevaluation of sporting ties with Pakistan amid escalating cross-border tensions.

On Wednesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed a special NIA court that Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the Mumbai terror attacks, could potentially disclose critical details if permitted to communicate with his family. The NIA raised this concern while opposing Rana’s request to speak with his relatives, citing risks to the ongoing investigation and doubts about his well-being.

The agency emphasized that the case is at a pivotal stage. The judge, after hearing arguments in chambers, reserved the decision for April 24.

Rana, through his legal counsel, argued that speaking with his family is his fundamental right. The 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin was placed in 18-day custody on April 10.

The NIA alleged that Rana was deeply involved in the criminal conspiracy, claiming that David Coleman Headley, another key accused, had consulted him about the attack plans before traveling to India. The agency further stated that Headley emailed Rana details of his assets and belongings, anticipating potential issues.

According to the NIA, Headley also shared information with Rana about the roles of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman, both co-accused in the plot.

Rana, a close associate of Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), a U.S. citizen, was extradited to India after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his appeal against extradition on April 4.

On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists launched a coordinated assault in Mumbai, targeting a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish center after entering the city via the Arabian Sea. The attack, lasting nearly 60 hours, claimed 166 lives.