Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his scheduled visit to Kanpur on April 24 in the wake of the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left several injured. The cancellation comes as the Centre intensifies its response to the deadliest terror attack on civilians in the Valley since Pulwama in 2019.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Baisaran Valley by chopper earlier today, around noon, to review the ground situation. Shah was briefed by senior officials about the ongoing investigation, preliminary findings, and the security arrangements being implemented across the region.
In a mark of national mourning, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that IPL players and umpires will wear black armbands in today’s Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians clash. A minute’s silence will precede the match in memory of the victims.
The terror attack, which targeted tourists in Baisaran—a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam—sparked nationwide condemnation. Travel plans to Kashmir are seeing mass cancellations, with many tourists pulling out amid safety concerns. The state’s tourism sector, contributing nearly 8% to its GSDP, is expected to take a major hit.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswan assured the public that the government “will not spare those responsible,” emphasizing that PM Modi’s administration is determined to deliver a “befitting reply.”
PM Modi is now set to chair a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting at 6 PM today, where he will review intelligence inputs and strategize India’s next course of action.
The Prime Minister was previously scheduled to arrive in Kanpur at 2:40 PM tomorrow, deliver a public address, and inaugurate key development projects including a new Metro section. However, all arrangements have now been put on hold.
