In a significant move to ensure the safe conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned the deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The deployment comes just ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to the region.

The decision follows a formal request from the Jammu and Kashmir government on May 20, seeking additional forces to bolster security during the annual pilgrimage, which draws lakhs of devotees. A communication confirming the approval was sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of J&K on May 23.

At present, 156 companies of paramilitary forces are already stationed in the region. These include 91 companies of the CRPF, 13 from the BSF, and others from different CAPFs. An additional 425 companies will now be deployed, comprising 128 CRPF companies (including five Mahila companies), 130 from the BSF, 45 from the CISF, 55 from the ITBP, and 67 from the SSB.

All 581 companies are expected to remain stationed in Jammu and Kashmir until the conclusion of the Yatra. Once the pilgrimage ends, the MHA has instructed that the companies be withdrawn immediately.

The MHA has also asked the UT administration to coordinate closely with the deployed forces to finalize a detailed security and deployment plan. The administration is responsible for arranging transportation, logistics, accommodation, and other essential facilities for the personnel.

In addition, special directions have been issued to the Railway Board to allocate sufficient train coaches to facilitate the movement of paramilitary forces as per operational requirements.

Security for the Amarnath Yatra remains a top priority, especially as threats continue to loom, with perpetrators of recent attacks in Pahalgam still at large. This year’s Yatra presents a major challenge to the security grid, and authorities are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.

In a significant admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that India launched a surprise missile attack on key Pakistani military bases before Pakistan could carry out its planned offensive. Speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, Sharif said that Pakistan had intended to strike India on the morning of May 10, following Fajr prayers. However, India’s long-range supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles hit multiple targets across several Pakistani provinces disrupting Pakistan’s plans.

Sharif stated that the Pakistan Army was “caught unawares” during the night of May 9-10 when India’s BrahMos missiles struck, highlighting the precision and timing of the Indian offensive. He recounted being informed about the early morning attack by Munir, who has since been promoted to Field Marshal.

“Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4:30 a.m. after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi,” Sharif said.

This revelation underscores the strategic advantage gained by India through its pre-emptive strike capability and adds a new dimension to the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation. The BrahMos missile system’s role in delivering precise, swift strikes has been pivotal in shaping the operational dynamics between the two neighbours.

In a powerful gesture of international solidarity, the Sierra Leone Parliament observed a moment of silence on Thursday in memory of the 26 innocent victims who lost their lives in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The solemn tribute was attended by an all-party delegation, symbolizing a united stand against terrorism and expressing deep condolences to India and the families affected by the tragedy.

The Pahalgam attack, which targeted a group of tourists, resulted in the deaths of 25 foreign and domestic visitors along with one local resident. The incident sent shockwaves across the globe, eliciting widespread condemnation from governments, international organizations, and civil society. Several countries expressed their unwavering support for India’s fight against terrorism and highlighted the need for a coordinated global response to such threats.

The Sierra Leone Parliament’s moment of silence is a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of terrorism and the importance of global cooperation to ensure peace and security. Members of Parliament reflected on the tragic loss and reiterated their commitment to standing alongside nations affected by terrorism in their pursuit of justice and stability.

Following the attack, the Indian government swiftly launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military campaign that successfully struck nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring future cross-border attacks. Alongside military measures, India took decisive diplomatic steps by downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, signalling a firm and comprehensive approach to counterterrorism.

The international community’s response, including Sierra Leone’s observance, underscores the shared recognition of terrorism as a global menace that requires collective resolve. This event also emphasizes the importance of supporting victims and survivors, promoting peace, and working towards a world free from violence and fear.

As India continues its efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, the solidarity shown by countries like Sierra Leone reinforces the global commitment to fight terrorism and uphold the values of peace, justice, and human dignity. The memory of the Pahalgam victims serves as a solemn call to action for nations worldwide to unite against terror and protect innocent lives.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed strong confidence that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will voluntarily return to India’s fold, describing them as “our own” and “part of the Indian family.” Speaking at the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Singh said that India’s ties with PoK are rooted in a deep emotional and cultural connection.

“I believe that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are our own, part of our family,” Singh said. “We have full faith that those of our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today will also return to the mainstream of India someday, listening to their voice of soul.”

The Defence Minister said most people in PoK feel a strong bond with India, and only a few have been misled. He emphasised that India’s approach has always been about “connecting hearts” and that love, unity, and truth will ultimately bring PoK back to India. “The day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, ‘I am India, I have returned,’” he said.

In a message to Pakistan, Singh asserted that any future dialogue will only focus on terrorism and PoK. He reiterated India’s stand that Pakistan should vacate the Indian territory it occupies illegally and forcibly.

He also warned Islamabad that terrorism is no longer a viable strategy. “The business of terrorism is not cost-effective and comes with a heavy price – something Pakistan is beginning to realise,” he said.

Highlighting India’s strides in defence manufacturing, Singh noted the rise in defence exports from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to ₹23,500 crore today. He credited this success to the Make-in-India initiative, adding that India’s home-grown platforms proved their strength during Operation Sindoor.

“Today, we are not just building fighter jets or missile systems; we are preparing for new-age warfare,” Singh said, underscoring the transformation of India’s defence ecosystem.