Mumbai, April 24 (NationPress) Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Maharashtra, expressed strong condemnation on Wednesday regarding the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that those behind this barbaric act must face justice and receive the most severe penalty.

"The tragedy of innocent lives lost is profoundly distressing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their mourning families. There is absolutely no justification for such a heinous act. It is utterly inhumane and warrants total condemnation. Those responsible should be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law," he stated.

Falahi further asserted that no rationale could ever legitimize such violence, urging the Central and Jammu and Kashmir authorities to take decisive action to ensure justice for the victims, enhance security protocols, and protect at-risk communities.

He also urged civil society, religious leaders, and the media to avoid narratives that could exacerbate tensions.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in response to the atrocious Pahalgam attack.

Key leaders, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, and Nirmala Sitharaman, participated in the meeting, which took place at the Prime Minister's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.

The CCS convened on Wednesday evening under the Prime Minister's leadership.

During the meeting, the CCS was provided with comprehensive details regarding the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, alongside numerous injuries.

The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and hoping for a swift recovery for those injured.

Support and solidarity have poured in from various governments worldwide, all unequivocally condemning this terror attack.

The CCS acknowledged and appreciated these sentiments, reflecting a firm stance against terrorism.

It was noted that this attack followed the successful elections in the Union Territory, alongside its ongoing journey towards economic advancement.

Recognizing the gravity of this terrorist act, the CCS resolved that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 would be suspended immediately until Pakistan genuinely and irrevocably renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.

Furthermore, the Attari Integrated Check Post will be closed without delay. Individuals who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return via that route before May 1, 2025.

No Pakistani nationals will be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for visa purposes.

Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals are considered void.

Pakistani nationals currently in India under an SVES visa must depart within 48 hours.

The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata. They are required to leave India within a week.

India will also withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These positions are now annulled, and five support staff of the Service Advisors will be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

The total personnel strength of the High Commissions will be decreased to 30 from the current 55 by May 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed profound sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the attack and reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Labeling the incident a "cowardly act," Singh vowed that both the perpetrators and those behind the scenes would face a robust and decisive response.

"We lost many innocent lives in this cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are heartbroken. I extend my condolences to the families affected," Singh stated in his address to the nation.

"We will pursue not just the perpetrators of this act but also those orchestrating it from behind the scenes. The accused will soon witness a clear and strong response, which I assure the nation," he added.

Prior to his address, the Defence Minister chaired a high-level security meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and other senior officials to evaluate the regional situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir to supervise the security measures and convey condolences.

Union Minister Shah visited the Government Medical College in Anantnag to meet with the injured victims and subsequently traveled to Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, the site of the attack. He conducted an aerial survey before landing at the site to assess the situation firsthand.