A statement from the defense ministry indicated that during the night of April 28-29, 2025, the Pakistan Army engaged in unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC targeting Kupwara and Baramulla districts, along with the Akhnoor sector in Jammu. The Indian Army responded appropriately to this provocation.

Tensions have escalated between the two nations following a terrorist attack on April 22, in which 26 innocent civilians—25 tourists and a local resident—were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists backed by Pakistan. This heinous act sparked nationwide outrage, leading Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare that those responsible would be pursued relentlessly.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had a 40-minute discussion with the Prime Minister on Monday after receiving a comprehensive update on the military’s preparedness for any situation. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, recently held a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar, wherein he emphasized the need for the Army to use any necessary force to apprehend those behind the Pahalgam attack.

In a strong message to terrorists, their sympathizers, and overground workers, security forces have begun demolishing the homes of those linked to terrorist activity. Recently, two houses belonging to Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh, both associated with the LeT and implicated in the Pahalgam attack, were demolished in the Tral and Bijbehara areas. So far, the homes of ten active terrorists in the Kashmir Valley have been destroyed.

On Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously condemned the brutal terrorist attack and passed a resolution addressing the issue.

The assault, claimed by ‘The Resistance Front’—a faction of the banned Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba—resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to several others, including a Nepali national, as terrorists targeted a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley.

In his letter dated April 28, Gandhi emphasized the importance of Parliament uniting to express solidarity against this heinous act of violence. He stated, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked every Indian. In these trying times, India must show that we stand united against terrorism. The Opposition believes a special session should be convened, allowing representatives of the people to demonstrate their unity and determination.”

Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the special session would serve as a strong symbol of collective resolve. He noted, “At this critical juncture, unity and solidarity are vital. It is crucial to convene a special session of both Houses to express our collective will to respond to the brutal attack on innocent citizens on April 22, 2025. We sincerely hope this session will be arranged promptly.”

Additionally, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has also written to Prime Minister Modi, advocating for a special parliamentary session to discuss urgent national security issues raised by the Pahalgam attack. In his letter, Jha expressed grave concern, stating, “As a worried citizen of India, moved by the seriousness of the recent Pahalgam attack, I believe Parliament, as the cornerstone of our Republic, must serve as the platform for the hopes, anxieties, and resolve of the people.”

He called for a special session “dedicated solely to a transparent and principled discussion about the Pahalgam attack and its wider implications for the security and aspirations of the Indian populace. This session would send a strong message indicating our democracy’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to all regions of our nation, particularly those most affected by violence.”

The Central government briefed leaders from various political parties regarding the Pahalgam attack during an all-party meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah. Rahul Gandhi attended the gathering and expressed full support for the government’s planned actions.

The Congress party assured the government of its unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam due to the attack.

Thangaraj was sworn in at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, where Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by Chief Minister Stalin, his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other ministers and officials. Udhayanidhi continues to hold the third position in the order of protocol, following Chief Minister Stalin and veteran minister K Duraimurugan, who oversees irrigation.

Representing the Padmanabapuram constituency in Kanyakumari district, Thangaraj will be responsible for Dairy Development, a role currently held by Raja Kannappan. He is known to have close ties with Kanimozhi, the party’s prominent female leader and MP. With Thangaraj’s induction, the coastal district once again has representation in the council of ministers.

On Sunday, the portfolios of Senthil Balaji and Ponmudy were reallocated. Raja Kannappan has taken over the Forest Department. Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has also assumed additional responsibilities for Electricity, while Housing Minister S Muthusamy now oversees Prohibition and Excise.

Muthusamy, originally from Erode in Western Tamil Nadu, recently transitioned from the AIADMK to the DMK. He previously managed the Prohibition and Excise portfolio during the time when Senthil Balaji was appointed Minister without Portfolio following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.