The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a powerful statement denouncing the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, which claimed at least 26 lives on April 22. In a press statement released by the Council President, France’s Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, the 15-member body “condemned in the strongest terms” the violence and emphasized the urgent need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of the attack to justice.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the UNSC stressed that all states must actively cooperate with relevant authorities under their obligations of international law and Security Council resolutions. The Council reaffirmed its longstanding position that terrorism, in all its forms, poses a serious threat to international peace and security.

The victims of the April 22 attack included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, primarily tourists from various parts of India. Expressing profound condolences, the Council extended sympathy to the families of those killed and to the governments of India and Nepal. It also wished a swift and full recovery to the injured.

A press statement from the Security Council is a collective declaration made by its President on behalf of all 15 members. Notably, the United States is reported to have circulated the draft for this particular statement, which underwent negotiations before its release. Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the Council, was also part of the discussions.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, expressed “deep concern” over the situation between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation. Responding to speculation about tensions between the two countries, Dujarric reaffirmed that the UN is closely monitoring the situation and reiterated condemnation of the terrorist attack.

The UNSC further emphasized that all terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of their motives, and called for international efforts to combat terrorism while adhering to the United Nations Charter and obligations under international law.

In a stringent move following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, security forces destroyed the houses of five terrorists across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. The operation targeted properties in Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama districts, as authorities intensified their crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and suspects linked to the assault that claimed 26 lives.

According to officials, the house of LeT commander Shahid Ahmed Kutte in Chotipora village of Shopian was among those demolished. Kutte, reportedly active in terror activities for the past three to four years, is accused of playing a major role in orchestrating anti-national operations.

In Kulgam’s Matalam area, the residence of active terrorist Zahid Ahmed was also torn down. Meanwhile, in Pulwama’s Murran area, security forces demolished the house of Ahsan Ul Haq, a terrorist trained in Pakistan in 2018 who had recently re-entered the Valley, raising alarms among intelligence agencies.

Further actions included the demolition of the double-storey house belonging to LeT terrorist Ehsan Ahmad Sheikh, active since June 2023, and the razing of Haris Ahmad’s residence in Kachipora, Pulwama, who has also been operating since last year.

Officials confirmed that cases have been registered against all the individuals whose properties were destroyed.

This follows similar actions on Thursday night when security forces demolished the houses of LeT operatives Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh, believed to be directly involved in the Pahalgam attack. Reports indicated that explosives were found placed inside their houses.

Meanwhile, Anantnag Police released sketches of Thoker and two Pakistani nationals — Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai — suspected to be involved in the attack. Authorities have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to their capture.

The Pahalgam attack unfolded on Tuesday when multiple terrorists opened fire at tourists visiting Baisaran Valley, known as “Mini Switzerland,” resulting in widespread panic. In the wide-open spaces of the valley, tourists struggled to find cover as the gunmen continued their assault.

In the wake of the attack, a massive manhunt involving the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators. Additionally, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, citing “sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to “identify, track, and punish” all terrorists and their supporters behind the attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated further as Pakistani troops once again violated the ceasefire across the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army confirmed that it responded appropriately to the unprovoked firing, with no casualties reported on either side.

This marks the second consecutive night that Pakistani forces opened fire across the LoC, a development coming in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The firing incident was reported from multiple posts along the LoC separating Indian and Pakistani forces in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions.

According to the Indian Army’s official statement, on the night of April 25–26, Pakistani Army posts initiated “unprovoked small arms firing” across the LoC. Indian troops, maintaining strict vigilance, responded effectively using similar weaponry. Despite the hostile action, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.

Military officials indicated that the Pakistani firing appeared to be an attempt to test the alertness of Indian forces, especially as the Indian government intensifies its stance against terror infrastructure across the border.

The latest ceasefire violation follows stringent measures announced by India after the brutal attack in Pahalgam. Five terrorists, associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were behind the massacre at Baisaran meadow, popularly known as “Mini Switzerland.”

In response, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, sending a strong message by asserting that no water would flow into Pakistan. Water Resources Minister CR Patil reinforced this declaration, emphasizing India’s resolve.

Adding to the diplomatic fallout, both nations have withdrawn their diplomatic staff and halted visa services. Citizens have been instructed to return promptly, while the iconic Wagah Border ceremony has also been suspended indefinitely. Islamabad, in retaliation, has put all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, on hold.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a firm address, vowed that those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre would face an unimaginable punishment, reaffirming India’s commitment to counterterrorism.