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Pahalgam Terror Attack: What Indian Law Says About Acts of Terrorism
Criminal
Posted On : April 25, 2025

Pahalgam Terror Attack: What Indian Law Says About Acts of Terrorism

Written By : Vidhikarya

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The recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir stunned the country and showed the very serious threat of terrorism in India. This attack, which killed over 25 innocent civilians, has revealed the urgent need for much stronger, new, and reliable steps against terrorism.

As the nation grieves, it is vital to review the laws India uses to handle terrorism, the role of security agencies, and the exact steps the government has taken to ensure justice and prevent more violence. In this blog, we will look at the legal view of terrorism and how Indian law defines and deals with such terrible acts as the Pahalgam terror attack in full detail.

Understanding Acts of Terrorism in India

Terrorism is a big threat in India today, and the country has put in place a solid legal system to combat it effectively. India’s terrorism laws have evolved over the years to tackle new tactics and methods from terrorists, such as cross-border raids, online attacks, and other serious dangers.

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

Key Law: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is the newest reform in India’s criminal law system and replaces the older Indian Penal Code (IPC). This act offers a simple way to tackle terrorism, with a focus on organised attacks, cybercrime, and financial security.

New Definition of Terrorism: The BNS broadens the meaning of terrorism to cover violent acts as well as economic and cyber-terrorism.

Key Features:

  • It treats cyberterrorism as a main threat, recognising how tech is used to spread extremist ideas and carry out attacks.
  • The law makes it simpler to charge people and groups who fund terrorism.
  • Better Prevention: Security agencies can act early to stop a terror attack, with wider monitoring and the power to detain suspects before a crime happens.
  • Global Cooperation: The act improves India’s role in working with other countries with simpler extradition steps and the sharing of intelligence.

2. National Counter-Terrorism Policy (2025)

Objective: India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy (2025) aims to provide a joined-up plan to fight terrorism. This policy sets out the main anti-terror steps and boosts India’s work at home and abroad to control terrorism. It covers both prevention and response.

Key Features:

  • Working Together: The policy demands that intelligence agencies should cooperate closely with both military forces and police units for quick and effective counter-terrorism operations as well as the protection of citizens.
  • Online Security: Online Security demands enhanced monitoring of websites that allow terrorists to distribute information while demanding the implementation of strict online rules to monitor and block such platforms.
  • Working with Others: India needs to actively collaborate with neighbouring states and other countries to exchange information and form joint terror combat mechanisms according to the policy.
  • Stronger Borders: The policy recommends step-up border inspection checkpoints along with border monitoring operations to prevent terrorist infiltration and planned attacks.

5 Actions by the Government of India in Response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack

Following the terror attack at Pahalgam, the Government of India moved immediately to implement safety measures that would ensure a response to the incident while also minimising future attacks. The Government of India demonstrates its hard stance against terrorism through these actions, which preserve effective peace and security practices.

1. Tightening Security in Kashmir

An early step was to beef up security in Jammu and Kashmir by sending additional paramilitary and army units to critical areas.

2. Enhanced Surveillance and Checkpoints

To improve monitoring, the government set up more checkpoints on major tourist and pilgrimage routes and upgraded surveillance to prevent further attacks.

3. Military Operations Against Terrorist Groups

Authorities launched military operations to break up terrorist cells and stop their activities in the area, making clear their firm position against terrorism.

4. Strengthened Intelligence Sharing

Better coordination between intelligence agencies and law enforcement was made a priority to share critical information quickly, which helps prevent future terror incidents.

5. Diplomatic and Counter-Terrorism Strategies: 

Besides internal actions, the government engaged in diplomatic talks and ratified counter-terrorism pacts with neighbouring countries, notably Pakistan, to curb cross-border terrorism. They also proposed economic sanctions against groups funding terrorism.

The Impact on Victims: Voices from Pahalgam

The Pahalgam terror attack left many lives deeply affected. The stories of the victims and their families give us a clear reminder of the harsh truth of terrorism.

Statement 1: A Bleeding Husband and a Plea for Help

Farha, a tourist from Jaipur, described how she and her husband Tabrez were shot near their hotel in Pahalgam. “His eyes were bleeding,” she said tearfully, requesting Prime Minister Modi's help for a possible eye donation. Their peaceful holiday turned into a devastating ordeal.

Statement 2: Targeted for Being Hindu – Atul Mone’s Final Moments

According to a relative, Atul Mone was gunned down in front of his wife after being asked about his religion. Once he said he was Hindu, the gunmen shot him dead. This sad fact shows the religion-based motive behind the attack in Pahalgam.

Statement 3: From Joyride to Horror – Priyadarshini’s Loss

Priyadarshini and her husband Prasant Satpathy had just stepped off a ropeway ride when gunfire erupted. What she first thought were fireworks turned truly terrible when a bullet struck her husband’s head, killing him instantly. Their happy moment became a nightmare in just seconds.

Statement 4: “Go Tell Modi” – Pallavi’s Chilling Encounter

Survivor Pallavi, who lost her husband Manjunath in the attack, recalled a gunman aiming a weapon at them and saying, “Won’t kill you, tell Prime Minister Modi, this is what we can do.” This shocking comment shows how bold the attackers were and that they meant to directly threaten innocent people with violence.

What’s Next After the Pahalgam Terror Attack? Strengthening Legal Responses

Moving forward, the Pahalgam terror attack shows how urgent it is for India to fully strengthen and swiftly apply its critical legal and security measures for safety. Here is what may follow:

  1. Enhanced Intelligence and Surveillance: Agencies sharing information and using simple monitoring tools will help spot risks early, covering both online and real areas.
  2. Updated Cybersecurity Laws: Stronger rules will halt online radicalisation and cut off funds for terrorism, especially in areas most prone to cyber-attacks.
  3. Tighter Border Security: Better checks and control at borders will be vital to stop terrorists from entering the country.
  4. Faster Justice: Creating special courts for terrorism trials will speed up cases and reduce delays in giving verdicts. In addition, some organisations provide free lawyer consultation online for more assistance to individuals.

Conclusion: A Stronger Legal Framework for a Safer India

The Pahalgam terror attack shows the critical danger that terrorism produces. The Indian people's determination, together with their well-defined legal system, provides genuine assurance that the future will be safer. 

Rapid government steps, supported by strong new laws, are vital for delivering justice fully and stopping more harm. While the nation still grieves, laws and security must keep getting better, giving a lasting defence and discouraging terrorism.




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