Pahalgam Terror Attack: Police Release Suspect Photos, Offer Rs 20 Lakh Reward
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Police Release Suspect Photos, Offer Rs 20 Lakh Reward
Investigation Intensifies After Deadly Attack
In a bid to crack the case, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have released photographs of three suspects believed to be involved in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including a Nepalese citizen, on April 22nd.
The authorities are offering a substantial cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of these individuals. The attack sent shockwaves across India, prompting a swift response from the Indian Armed Forces.
Operation Sindoor and Escalating Tensions
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7th, targeting nine high-level terrorist bases in Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This action triggered a retaliatory response from Pakistan, with unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC), escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The situation escalated further with Pakistan resorting to missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and parts of Gujarat. The Indian Armed Forces responded with indigenous artillery, defending its territories and neutralizing 35-40 Pakistani military personnel. However, the cross-border firing resulted in the tragic loss of innocent Indian civilians.
Ceasefire and Diplomatic Measures
Facing the growing danger of an all-out war, the DGMOs of both countries engaged in a hotline call on Monday, agreeing to cease all firing for the second time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Monday evening, stated that India-Pakistan relations are likely to remain strained despite the ceasefire. He emphasized that future talks with Pakistan would primarily focus on terrorism and the Kashmir issue. PM Modi also hinted that the Indus Water Treaty, a crucial agreement between the two countries, would remain suspended.
The diplomatic measures taken by India immediately after the Pahalgam attack, including closing the Wagah-Attari border, significantly reducing Pakistani diplomatic presence, cancelling visas for all Pakistanis, and suspending the Indus Water Treaty, are expected to continue.
