Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs high-level security meeting with NSA, 3 defence officials after Pahalgam attack
PTC Web Desk: In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a crucial security meeting on Wednesday. The session was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwiwedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
According to sources cited by news agency ANI, the meeting focused on the current security landscape in Jammu & Kashmir and the immediate countermeasures to prevent further attacks.
General Upendra Dwiwedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi briefed the Defence Minister Singh on the developments in Pahalgam and surrounding regions. Additional troops have reportedly been deployed near the attack site to strengthen local operations.
"Search and destroy missions are underway, with reinforcements arriving to locate and neutralise the terrorists responsible for the massacre," said an ANI source familiar with the matter.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Defence Ministe Rajnath Singh condemned the terror strike, calling it a “cowardly and highly reprehensible” act targeting innocent civilians.
“Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families,” he posted.
Among those killed was Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal. The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ for its picturesque landscape.
Security agencies have released sketches of three persons believed to be behind one of the deadliest civilian-targeted terror attacks in recent years in the Kashmir Valley. The suspects, identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, also go by the aliases Moosa, Yunus, and Asif.
- With inputs from agencies
