Security agencies have released sketches and pictures of of three terrorists involved in the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the massacre.

According to intelligence sources, two of the attackers are believed to be foreign nationals. The security establishment is working on a war footing to identify and neutralize the perpetrators, who targeted unarmed civilians in a popular tourist area.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar early this morning, held an emergency security review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He also paid tribute to the victims before their mortal remains were flown to their respective home states. “Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits will not be spared,” he stated in a message on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on an official visit, cut short his trip and returned to India in light of the attack. He condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous act” and promised that the guilty will face justice. “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and only grows stronger,” he said.

Eyewitnesses and survivors of the attack recounted chilling details—terrorists reportedly asked victims about their religion before shooting men at point-blank range. Many of the dead were honeymooning couples and families visiting the picturesque Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed airlines to maintain fare caps to aid the safe return of stranded tourists from Kashmir. Additional flights are being arranged to assist in evacuation efforts.

In response to the incident, heightened security alerts have been issued across major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.

The nation mourns the loss, while security forces intensify their hunt for the attackers behind one of the deadliest terror strikes since Pulwama.

Lieutenant General Vineet Sharma, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant of the Army Dental Corps, conducted a visit to frontline dental sections in the North East, including the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic operated by the DAO Platinum Healers. The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring high-quality oral healthcare for its personnel and local communities in challenging environments.

During his inspection, Lt Gen Sharma was briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the dental units in supporting operational readiness. He reviewed critical aspects such as infrastructure, equipment, modernization efforts, and the overall quality of care provided.

The General Officer expressed appreciation for the unwavering dedication of the dental teams, who operate under tough conditions to deliver essential services. The DAO Platinum Healers, a specialized unit likely named for their exemplary service, were highlighted for their efforts in maintaining oral health standards in the region.

The visit also aligned with the Indian Army’s broader welfare initiative, Operation Sadbhavana, which focuses on community development in remote areas. Lt Gen Sharma interacted with local residents receiving dental care under this program, which has been instrumental in providing healthcare access to underserved populations.

Launched in 2023 with a budget of Rs 8.82 crore, Operation Sadbhavana has supported various projects in regions like Ladakh, including education, infrastructure development, and healthcare outreach, with the North East now benefiting from similar efforts.

This visit follows Lt Gen Sharma’s earlier inspection of military dental institutions in Bengaluru from March 6 to 8, 2025, where he emphasized the importance of preventive oral healthcare. His ongoing mission reflects the Army Dental Corps’ pivotal role in maintaining the health and readiness of the nation’s defenders while extending support to civilian communities in remote areas.

The Indian Army continues to strengthen its healthcare initiatives, ensuring both its personnel and local populations receive the care they need, even in the most demanding circumstances.

Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of the Rising Star Corps during a visit to the forward areas of Bani-Machhedi in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining security and readiness in a region that has seen heightened tensions due to recent terrorist activities.

During his visit, Lt Gen Katiyar commended the troops for their unwavering steadfastness and exceptional professionalism in ensuring the security of the area. The Bani-Machhedi sector, located near the Line of Control (LoC), has been a focal point for counter-terrorism operations, particularly following a deadly ambush in July 2024, where five army personnel were killed by the Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked shadow group, Kashmir Tigers. The attack, which took place in the Machedi area of Kathua district, highlighted the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist outfits operating through proxy groups in the region.

The review also included a visit to the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir, where Lt Gen Katiyar paid his respects to fallen soldiers, a gesture in line with his tradition of honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces. The Western Command has been actively engaged in maintaining high standards of operational readiness, with the Rising Star Corps playing a pivotal role in joint operations alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other security forces to counter insurgency and terrorism in the region.

This visit comes amid ongoing efforts under Operation Rakshak, a long-standing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation initiated in 1990, aimed at restoring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army continues to work in tandem with other security forces to address the challenges posed by militancy, particularly in the wake of recent attacks that have targeted both military personnel and civilians in the region.

Lieutenant General J P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, visited the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantt to commend the staff for their outstanding contributions to military healthcare. During the visit, Lt Gen Mathew recognized the hospital team for their exceptional trauma care and impeccable ICU hygiene, emphasizing their role in exemplifying compassion, precision, and military medical excellence.

The formal ceremony saw Lt Gen Mathew personally pinning commendations on the hospital staff, a gesture that highlighted the significance of their dedication. The event took place in a setting adorned with the Indian national flag alongside flags of other nations, hinting at possible international collaboration or participation.

A presentation screen in the background displayed the Base Hospital’s emblem, underscoring its pivotal role within the Indian Armed Forces healthcare system.

Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, a premier medical facility under the Indian Army, has long been a cornerstone of healthcare for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.

This recognition aligns with the Indian Army Medical Corps’ storied tradition of providing specialized medical support, a legacy that traces back to the 18th century with the formation of the Indian Medical Service. The hospital continues to uphold its reputation for excellence, supported by highly trained medical staff and state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensuring the well-being of the military community.