A major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir has led to the elimination of Junaid Ahmed Bhatt, a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist involved in orchestrating a series of deadly attacks including the recent massacre in Sonamarg. Bhatt, classified as an ‘A+ category’ militant and originally from Kulgam, was gunned down by security forces during an encounter in Dachigam in December 2024.

Module operated under Lashkar leadership

Bhatt was a pivotal figure in a Lashkar-e-Taiba module that, according to intelligence reports, functions under the direct command of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Saifullah, both believed to be operating from Pakistani soil. The group reportedly receives not only ideological motivation but also strategic support from Pakistan’s military establishment and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

While the module includes a majority of foreign operatives, several local elements and overground workers from the Kashmir Valley assist the network by providing shelter and logistical support. Following coordinated attacks, the group’s operatives often go underground, using forest cover to evade security operations until fresh instructions arrive from handlers across the border.

Brutality of Pahalgam attack unveiled

The group’s involvement came into focus after the chilling Pahalgam attack, where terrorists targeted civilians at three different locations in the scenic Baisaran valley. In the gruesome assault, five people were shot dead at a single spot, two were gunned down in an open field, and more were targeted near a fenced enclosure. Survivors recounted that the attackers even engaged them in short conversations before opening fire, pointing to a calculated and cold-blooded execution.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have released sketches of three suspects in the case. Two of them, identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha, are believed to be Pakistani nationals, while the third, Abdul Hussain Thokar, is a local from Anantnag. Authorities have announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for credible leads aiding in their arrest. A suspected hideout used by the module has also been uncovered in forested terrain nearby.

High-level security response and diplomatic measures

In response to the escalating threat, India’s top security panel—the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)—held an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The panel, which included senior figures like Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, rolled out a series of stringent countermeasures.

From May 1, both India and Pakistan will downsize their diplomatic missions, slashing staff numbers from 55 to 30. Military and intelligence personnel from Pakistan stationed at its High Commission in Delhi have been ordered to leave India within a week, while Indian representatives in Islamabad will also be withdrawn.

Further, the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals has been suspended, and all existing visas under this provision have been revoked. Pakistani citizens residing in India under the scheme have been directed to exit the country by May 1. The Attari-Wagah border crossing has also been closed indefinitely. India has additionally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

Massive protests were witnessed outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, as demonstrators demanded justice and accountability. Demonstrations have also spread across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India, underlining the widespread public outrage against the Pahalgam attack.

The homes of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists — Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh — linked to the devastating Pahalgam attack were destroyed in separate blasts in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night, according to officials.

Sources revealed that explosives had been planted inside the houses of the two suspects. Thoker, hailing from Anantnag district, has been identified as a primary accused in the brutal massacre that took place earlier this week. Sheikh, a resident of Pulwama, is suspected of playing a major role in planning the attack.

Earlier on Thursday, Anantnag Police released sketches of Thoker alongside two Pakistani nationals believed to be connected to the incident. Authorities also announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for any credible information leading to the capture of these individuals. The two Pakistani suspects have been identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai — both believed to be operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group.

The attack occurred in Baisaran, Pahalgam, often referred to as “mini Switzerland” for its breathtaking views and lush pine forests. Tragically, it claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Kashmir in recent times.

Prime Minister Modi vows stringent action against perpetrators

Responding to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning, stating that India would track down and punish every individual involved, along with their supporters.

Speaking during a public address in Madhubani, Bihar, the Prime Minister said, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth.” He emphasized that the nation’s spirit remains unbroken and terrorism will face a resolute response.

Following the terror attack, Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. Post discussions, the government announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan, citing “cross-border links” to the Pahalgam massacre. Actions included expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty — a landmark agreement in place for over sixty years — and immediately shutting down the Attari land-transit post.

The Prime Minister underscored the nation’s resolve, stating, “The time has come to raze whatever is left of the terror haven,” signaling a tougher stance against terrorism emanating from across the border.

Following the deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that all political parties unanimously backed the Centre’s tough stance on terrorism during an all-party meeting held on Thursday.

Rijiju confirmed that leaders across party lines expressed solidarity with the government’s “zero tolerance” approach, reinforcing national resolve in the face of cross-border terror. He also mentioned that various queries raised by members were addressed by officials, and the collective message was one of unity in a time of grief.

India tightens screws diplomatically

The Indian government, reacting strongly to the Pahalgam incident, has taken a slew of measures to scale down ties with Pakistan:

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals
• Reduction in the strength of diplomatic staff in both High Commissions
• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960
  

Pakistan’s counter-response escalates tensions

In retaliation, Pakistan declared that any move to alter the flow of Indus water would be considered an “Act of War”. Islamabad also announced:

• Suspension of trade and bilateral accords, including the Simla Agreement
• Closure of its airspace to Indian flights
• Immediate shutdown of the Wagah Border Post
• Cancellation of SVES visas issued to Indian nationals, barring Sikh religious pilgrims
  

Military activity on LoC amid ongoing encounters

Alongside diplomatic flare-ups, there has been a surge in activity along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistani troops engaged in small arms firing at multiple points, which was met with a firm response from Indian forces.

Simultaneously, security operations are ongoing within Jammu and Kashmir, with encounters reported in Bandipora and Udhampur, where one Indian soldier lost his life on Thursday.