‘Are you undermining our forces’: SC slams plea on Pahalgam attack

The Supreme Court on May 1, forcefully rejected a plea demanding a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, sharply criticized the petitioners — Fatesh Kumar Shahu, Mohammad Junaid, and Vicky Kumar — questioning whether their petition was an attempt to undermine the morale of the armed forces at a critical time.

“Is this the way you want to demoralize our forces?” Justice Kant asked sternly. “Since when did we [judges] become experts in counter-terror investigations? Be responsible before filing such PILs. You have a duty towards the country.”

The petition, which sought court-monitored investigation into the attack claimed by The Resistance Front — an offshoot of the Pakistan-based and banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT ) — was labeled inappropriate and poorly timed by the court. The justices underscored that anti-terror operations require specialized expertise and national unity, not legal overreach.

The petitioners argued the plea was filed in concern for Kashmiri students living outside the region, fearing backlash or retaliatory violence. However, the bench noted the petition made no mention of students, stating, “This is not the time. This is a crucial hour when every citizen must stand united.”

Justice NK Singh advised the petitioners to approach relevant High Courts for issues related to student safety. Despite Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposing even that, the court granted the petitioners liberty to withdraw the plea and seek redressal at the state level.

Manhunt underway, national response imminent

Eight days after the coordinated assault, the attackers remain at large. The Resistance Front, acting as a proxy for LeT, claimed responsibility for the massacre. Security forces have launched a massive manhunt involving the Indian Army, local police, paramilitary forces, and national agencies.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the case, identifying 20 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) suspected of aiding the terrorists. Several arrests have been made, with more suspects under active pursuit.

Over 2,500 individuals have been questioned in an effort to dismantle the terror network. Simultaneously, raids are being carried out across Jammu and Kashmir targeting hideouts of banned groups.

Distressing visuals from the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack showed civilians — many of them women — crying for help amidst the chaos. One of the deceased was a Nepali national.

Government vows retaliation, blames Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed justice for the victims, declaring that terrorism’s “evil agenda will never succeed.” In a high-level security meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, Modi reportedly gave military leaders full freedom to determine India’s response in terms of timing, targets, and tactics.

Meanwhile, ceasefire violations by Pakistan have surged, with small-arms fire across the Line of Control reported for seven consecutive nights. Government sources have also pointed to a broader terror trail linking Pakistan to recent attacks in Moscow and London.

With national sentiment running high and security forces on high alert, the court’s message was clear: now is the time for resolve, not recklessness.