Addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth emphasized that the terrorists will face severe consequences. “Our retaliatory actions are completely justified, and we seek to take as much action as possible. We will avenge every tear shed by the victims’ families. Terrorists will not be spared. The global community stands with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the fight against terrorism,” Seth declared during a press conference.

Seth further highlighted that Pakistan is under the influence of terrorist organizations, saying, “Pakistan has acknowledged its role in harboring terrorist bases for the past 30 years. India has long stated that Pakistan is a terrorist state that provides refuge to these individuals. Pakistan’s intentions will not prevail.”

Regarding the directive to send back Pakistani nationals following government advisories, Seth stated, “Pakistan has taken innocent Indian lives. Every Pakistani residing in India will need to leave the country. That’s why Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consulted with all Chief Ministers about how to identify and repatriate every Pakistani national living here.”

“The entire world stands united with Prime Minister Modi in eradicating terrorism. He has made it clear that such terrorists should face severe repercussions. All 1.4 billion citizens are united in support of the victims’ families,” Seth added.

Cross-border engagements between the Indian and Pakistani armies have persisted for a second day along the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army reported that on the night of April 25-26, multiple posts of the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small arms fire in the Kashmir region.

The statement indicated, “Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms. No casualties have been reported.”

In the wake of the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, security forces have intensified counter-insurgency operations in the Valley, which include extensive door-to-door searches. Reports suggest that operations are active throughout South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag and Pulwama districts.

Intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists amid the rising tensions. These individuals, aged between 20 and 40, are allegedly associated with Pakistan-backed groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), providing logistical and operational support.

Notable names on the list include Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29).

Additionally, police have detained around 175 suspects in the Anantnag district. A police spokesperson mentioned that the detainees include overground workers, relatives of active militants, and other suspects from Jammu and Kashmir; many have been released after initial investigations.

The spokesperson elaborated that this operation is a collaborative effort involving Anantnag Police, the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other security agencies. “Numerous raids have taken place at different locations throughout the district. Search operations are ongoing both day and night, with heightened vigilance. So far, around 175 suspects have been apprehended for questioning to dismantle the support networks facilitating terrorist activities,” the police officer stated.