Influencer Tanya Mittal has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her statement, “Terrorism has no religion,” made in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.

The remark, shared across her sizable Instagram and YouTube platforms, aimed to denounce terrorism but instead triggered widespread backlash for appearing to trivialize the tragedy’s gravity.

Social media erupted with criticism, with many users slamming Mittal for her perceived insensitivity at a time when the nation grapples with the attack’s aftermath. The timing and context of her comment, seen as glossing over the complex religious and political dimensions of the incident, fueled heated debates online.

While a few supporters defended her call for unity, the majority deemed her words ill-judged, arguing that addressing terrorism requires acknowledging its deeper roots rather than resorting to broad platitudes.

Amid the uproar, speculation swirled about Mittal’s alleged ties to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, prompting the agency to issue a swift clarification.

“Ms. Tanya Mittal is not associated with MP Tourism in any capacity,” the department stated, countering erroneous media reports and social media posts that had linked her to their campaigns. The move aimed to shield the department’s reputation from the influencer’s controversial stance.

The episode underscores the delicate role influencers play in shaping public discourse. With millions of followers, figures like Mittal wield significant sway, but their statements on sensitive issues like terrorism carry weighty responsibilities. Critics argued that her comment oversimplified a fraught issue, failing to resonate with a nation mourning the Pahalgam victims and navigating heightened security concerns.

The Madhya Pradesh Police have also intensified their crackdown on inflammatory online content related to the attack, recently arresting two individuals in Damoh for posting objectionable material. This reflects India’s growing vigilance over digital narratives surrounding national security.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions about influencer accountability. While Mittal’s intent may have been to promote peace, her words highlighted the risks of addressing complex issues without nuance.

President Droupadi Murmu led an Indian delegation to Vatican City to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away recently, visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica to offer her respects.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared details of the visit, noting that President Murmu was joined by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State George Kurian.

“President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by Ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian,” Jaiswal posted on X, sharing images from the solemn occasion.

Arriving in Rome on Friday, April 25, 2025, President Murmu will attend the funeral mass for Pope Francis on Saturday, joined by global leaders. The Indian delegation also includes Joshua D’Souza, deputy speaker of the Goa assembly, reflecting India’s respect for the late pontiff.

Pope Francis, who died at 88 on April 21 at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, assuming the papacy on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

In honour of Pope Francis, the Government of India declared a three-day state mourning. Two days were observed on April 22 and 23, with a final day of mourning set for Saturday, coinciding with the funeral. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast across India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment will take place on the day of the funeral, as a mark of reverence for the Supreme Pontiff.

The Vatican is preparing to convene a conclave of Cardinals soon after the funeral to elect Pope Francis’ successor, a process that will shape the future leadership of the Catholic Church.

President Murmu’s visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering global goodwill and honoring the legacy of a pontiff who championed compassion and dialogue, leaving a profound impact on millions worldwide.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari delivered a fiery warning to India during a public rally in Sukkur, Sindh, vowing that any attempt to block the Indus River’s flow would have severe repercussions.

Reacting to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the former foreign minister declared, “The Indus is ours, and it will remain ours. Either our water flows through it, or their blood will.”

His remarks, reported by a prominent Pakistani newspaper, highlighted the critical importance of the river, which sustains Sindh and is tied to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, with its historic city of Mohenjo-daro located in the region.

Bilawal challenged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims of India’s ancient civilizational heritage, asserting Pakistan’s deeper connection to the Indus. “Modi speaks of a thousands-year-old legacy, but that legacy lies in Mohenjo-daro, in Larkana. We are its true custodians, and we will defend it with all our might,” he told the charged crowd.

Accusing India of coveting Pakistan’s water resources, he called for unity across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan to protect their lifeline. “Pakistan’s people and the international community will not tolerate Modi’s aggressive posturing or any move to divert our water. We will make it clear: the Sindhu cannot be stolen,” he said, rallying supporters for a resolute struggle against perceived Indian aggression.

While condemning the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, Bilawal emphasized Pakistan’s own suffering from terrorism and its rejection of such violence.

The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front, a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, led India to downgrade diplomatic relations on Wednesday, April 23, and suspend the IWT.

In response, Pakistan, on Thursday, threatened to suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement—signed by Bilawal’s grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—along with other bilateral agreements. It also halted all trade with India, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and declared that any attempt to divert Indus waters would be considered an act of war.

On the domestic front, Bilawal announced a significant concession, stating that Pakistan’s federal government has agreed to seek consensus among provinces before proceeding with the construction of six contentious new canals. “I’m pleased to share that no new canals will be built without the approval of the Council of Common Interests (CCI),” he said, addressing longstanding inter-provincial concerns. The CCI, a key body for resolving disputes between provinces, will play a central role in ensuring fair decision-making.