On Pahalgam attack anniversary, Army says response is assured against acts of terror

📌 Summary:

• On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a strong statement asserting that India's "response is assured" against those responsible for acts of terror

• The Army confirmed that counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir have been significantly intensified since April 2025: over 60 militants neutralised; multiple terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied territory have been destroyed in precision strikes

• Army Chief's statement carried an implicit warning to Pakistan: India's military response would be proportionate, calibrated, and "on our terms and timeline"

• Key security operations post-Pahalgam: Operation Sindhu Shakti in Pir Panjal range; Operation Deep Strike targeting LeT/JeM commanders; drone surveillance grid expanded across the Kashmir valley

• Army revealed new counter-drone systems deployed along the LoC to interdict Pakistani drones being used for weapon and drug smuggling

• India has also raised the issue at the UN Security Council, calling for designation of additional Pakistani terror groups under UN Sanctions Committee (1267 Committee)

• Diplomatic front: India revoked most-favoured-nation (MFN) status for Pakistan (which was already suspended since 2019 Pulwama); bilateral trade formally halted; Attari-Wagah border post remains closed

• The Army's statement signals a shift from "strategic restraint" to "proactive deterrence" in India's counter-terror doctrine

🔍 UPSC Relevance:

• India's counter-terrorism doctrine, LoC operations, J&K security — core GS3 Internal Security topic

• India-Pakistan relations; UN 1267 Committee; AFSPA; India's no-first-strike nuclear doctrine vs. conventional counter-terror posture

⚡ Prelims Facts:

• Pahalgam attack: April 22, 2025 | Army Chief: Gen. Upendra Dwivedi | UN 1267 Committee: sanctions Al-Qaeda, Taliban, IS-linked groups | India revoked Pakistan MFN: 2019 (Pulwama), reaffirmed 2025 | AFSPA: Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 | Attari-Wagah: only road border crossing between India and Pakistan