Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: CM Omar Abdullah drives to Jammu to take stock of situation after Pakistan's drone attack

Heavy security was deployed across key locations in Delhi on Friday following heightened tensions with Pakistan, which launched drone and missile attacks on several Indian border areas late Thursday. Vital installations, including government buildings, water and sewage treatment plants, courts, and foreign embassies, are now under enhanced protection with additional police and paramilitary presence.

Police have also intensified surveillance in crowded areas such as markets, Metro stations, malls, and railway stations. All Delhi Police personnel had their leave cancelled, and night patrols have been reinforced. Special commissioners are holding regular meetings with their teams to assess preparedness. Bomb disposal squads have conducted anti-sabotage checks, and vehicles entering the capital are being thoroughly inspected.

"All citizens are requested to stay indoors and away from the windows and keep lights turned off and the window curtains drawn. There is no need to panic, a siren will blow now and we will pass the message again once it is clear. Our armed forces are on the job, and we need to support them by staying indoors. There is no need to panic," the statement reads.

A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu after sirens were heard and explosions were reported near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts early on Friday morning, amid rising tensions in the region.

Earlier, explosions were also heard near the LoC in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Boundary in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The attempt was made around 11 pm on May 8. In a post on X, BSF Jammu wrote, "At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K."

The Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) debunked another fake video that was being circulated by Pakistani X handles, alleging that an Indian post had been destroyed by the Pakistani Army.

In a post on X, the Fact Check Unit stated that there was no unit called "20 Raj Battalion" in the Indian Army, further adding that the video was part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading the public.

"Staged Video Alert. Fake video is being circulated by Pakistani handles alleging that an Indian post was destroyed by the #Pakistani Army #PIBFactCheck: The claim is completely false, and the video is staged. There is no unit called '20 Raj Battalion' in the #IndianArmy.This is part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading the public," the post read.

Earlier, the Fact Check Unit had also clarified that claims on social media about a ban on entry to airports across the country were false.

In a post on X, the Fact Check Unit wrote, "Fake News Alert. Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India has been banned. #PIBFactCheck. This claim is #FAKE. The government has taken no such decision."

This comes amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after precision strikes were launched by the Indian Army under Operation Sindoor on May 7.

The attack targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), according to Indian officials.

The strikes were aimed at infrastructure linked to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation was carried out in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent civilians.

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the sound of explosions was heard near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir early Friday morning.

Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Boundary in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The attempt was made around 11 pm on May 8.

In a post on X, BSF Jammu wrote, "At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K."

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday praised Operation Sindoor and warned Pakistan to "stay within limits," saying any provocation would come at a heavy cost.

"This is the new India. This is the India that strikes inside enemy territory. Pakistan should stay within limits. Their actions will cost them dearly. PM Modi has taught them a lesson through Operation Sindoor," Shinde told reporters.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde also commended the Indian armed forces, saying they worked with full force to neutralise terror camps in Pakistan.

"The Army has taken a commendable step. They acted with full force to destroy these camps. Today, the entire country stands with the Army," he told ANI, referring to posters put up in Mumbai by the Shiv Sena praising the armed forces.

Speaking on the all-party meeting, the Shiv Sena MP said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed leaders that over 100 terrorists were killed in the precision strikes.

"The Defence Minister informed us today that more than 100 terrorists were killed when we attacked the terror camps," Shinde said.

Lauding India's "mature and restrained" military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack through 'Operation Sindoor', JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda on Thursday said the challenges may not certainly end here, but there is immense relief in the fact that the country remains united. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gowda appreciated his "exemplary leadership" and "determined steps" following the terrorist attack.

"I pray that God be with you, and with our great nation as we wage this war of dharma against the adharma of terrorism. India is a peace-loving nation and has always spread positive light in the world, but if someone sees it as our weakness, then, they now know what we are capable of," the former PM said in the letter.

"The challenges we face may not certainly end here, but there is immense relief in the fact that we remain united as a nation. We suffer together but we also rise together as one nation and one people."

Noting that he was writing to PM Modi with a deep sense of appreciation, following India's May 7 mature and restrained military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka said he has been watching the determined steps that Modi has taken from day one.

"...you cut short your visit to Saudi Arabia and rushed back to monitor the developing situation in India (following the April 22 terror attack), conduct strategy meetings, mobilise international support and inspire our armed forces. You also later cancelled your tour of Europe to be available at home for all emergencies," Gowda pointed out.

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday weighed in on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as India continues its anti-terror operations under ‘Operation Sindoor’. In an interview with Fox News, Vance said, "That's fundamentally none of our business."

When asked about the rising conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations, he said, "We're concerned about any time nuclear powers collide and have a major conflict what we've said."

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said "'Yeh naya Bharat hai. Yeh ghar mein ghuske maarne wala Bharat hai'...Pakistan should stay within limits. Pakistan's actions are going to cost it heavily. PM Modi has taught them a lesson with Operation Sindoor."

At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K: BSF Jammu

The Times of India is a trusted source. As such, we will not publish any unverified claims. We are committed to publishing only verified information that our readers can trust.

Delhi Airport issues travel advisory. Operations remain normal. Some flights are impacted due to changing airspace conditions and heightened security. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates.

On being asked if it is the view of the United States along with what India says that Pakistan is supporting terrorist groups, US State Dept Spox Tammy Bruce said, "Obviously in today's world, that's a call that we have been making for decades. It is the dynamic that we've seen in the Middle East disrupting lives and clearly what happened in Kashmir is awful and we've all send our condolences. The world has rejected the nature of that kind of violence."

Security has been ramped up around India Gate following intelligence inputs about Pakistan's failed attempts to target areas along the western border, officials said on Friday.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday banned entry of visitors to the terminal building of airports and also made secondary ladder point checking compulsory for all flights as part of enhanced security arrangements.

The detailed advisory comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated.

"In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes... so that no untoward incident takes place in the country," BCAS said in an advisory.

Blackout being observed in Haryana's Panchkula following Pakistan's failed attempts to attack locations along western border.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures, said Civil Aviation Ministry sources on Thursday.

All passengers at all airports will undergo secondary ladder point security check (LPSC). Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air marshal will be deployed accordingly, the sources added.

This came after Pakistan targeted several Indian cities on Thursday evening.

Pakistan fired eight missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia and all were intercepted and blocked by air defence units, defence sources said on Thursday.

The sources said visuals over Jammu resembled a Hamas-style attack on Israel using multiple cheap rockets. It appears that the Pakistan Army is operating and behaving like the terror organisation Hamas.

Explosions were heard as Indian air defence intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard and flashes seen in the sky.

India's civil aviation ministry has announced that 24 airports across the country have been closed for civil flight operations. The ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with the Director Generals of various border guarding forces to review the current situation along the nation's borders. In addition to these talks, Amit Shah also contacted the Director General of CISF to assess the prevailing airport security measures.

The ministry of defence announced today that military stations located at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K. The response was immediate, with the threats being neutralised using both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities as per established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). According to the ministry, there were no casualties or material losses. The ministry further asserted that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and to ensure the safety of its people.

Army officials have stated that news reports concerning suicide attacks by terrorists at Pathankot or Rajouri are completely false. There have been no such incidents reported in these areas, the officials clarified.

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be deployed accordingly: Ministry of Civil Aviation Sources

Local authorities in Phalodi have intensified emergency protocols as part of enhanced security measures at the strategic airbase.

Eight missiles launched from Pakistan targeting Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia were intercepted successfully, according to Defence sources.

Defence sources further stated that the Pakistani Army is behaving like the Hamas terror group and is using cheap rockets.

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Secretary Marco Rubio held discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday. During the conversation, the Secretary highlighted the importance of immediate de-escalation and voiced US backing for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan. He also encouraged sustained efforts to bolster communication between the two countries. Secretary Rubio conveyed his condolences regarding the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to collaborate with India in combating terrorism.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to de-escalate and engage in dialogue, as he pressed Islamabad to end any support for "terrorist groups." Rubio, in calls with leaders of both countries, "emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

Pakistan launched eight missiles at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia sector, which were all intercepted by Indian Air Defence units, according to Defence Sources. The incident reportedly took place without any casualties or damage, as air defence systems successfully responded to the missile threat. The targeted sectors, located along the border, were on high alert following the escalation, and security in the region has been intensified. Defence Sources stated that the situation is being closely monitored.

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard in the area, and flashes could be seen in the sky. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as security personnel have been deployed in the vicinity. Local residents reported hearing loud noises and witnessing bright lights during the incident. Further details are awaited from the officials on the extent of the breach and any possible damage.

The last rites of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma (32), killed in cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector, was held with full military honours at his native village in Haryana's Palwal district on Thursday, reported PTI. Patriotic slogans such as 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Matram' rent the air as locals rushed to have a glimpse of the son of the soil whose mortal remains reached the Nangla Mohammadpur Gulavad village by road.

Daya Chand lit the funeral pyre of his son.

Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar, state Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food and Supplies Rajesh Nagar, and Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam were among the dignitaries who paid floral tributes to the soldier.

Palwal DC Harish Kumar Vashisth was seen consoling the bereaved family.

"Recruited in 2014, Dinesh was the eldest of my five son. My two sons are Agniveers in the Army," a grieving Daya Chand told reporters. Expresing prive over the lance naya's service for the nation he said Dinesh's son wants to carry forward his father's legacy in the Army.

Besides his parents and brothers, the lance nayak leaves behind his pregnant wife Seema, an advocate, their son Darshan (5) and daughter Kavya (7).

His friend Pramod said Dinesh Kumar came home on leave on January 15 and returned to his duty on March 2.

A day after India pounded terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, the Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortars and heavy calibre artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing," the ministry said.

In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, "GOC and all ranks of White Knight Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of L/Nk Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regt, who laid down his life on May 7, 2025, during Pakistan Army shelling. We also stand in solidarity with all victims of the targeted attacks on innocent civilians in Poonch Sector."

Metal debris was found scattered in three villages of Amritsar district on Thursday, with some locals claiming them to be parts of missiles. Police have maintained that the objects can be identified only after an investigation, reported PTI.

Locals in Jethuwal village said they found metal parts in some open fields and houses. Similar objects were found in Makhan Windi and Pandher villages as well.

No damage was caused to any property, they said.

Some locals claimed that they heard sound of explosions and saw lights flashing in the sky past midnight.

A villager in Jethuwal said they came out of homes after hearing loud sounds at around 1.05 am. Following the sound, the ground felt like it was shaking as in during an earthquake.

Upon finding the debris on Thursday morning, the locals contacted the police, who cordoned off the area where the metals were found and informed the Army.

The Centre on Thursday said it foiled Pakistan military's attempts to attack 15 places in northern and western India using missiles and drones, and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore as tensions mounted between the two sides.

The defence ministry said the Pakistan military on Wednesday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj.

Former United States ambassador to the United Nations has strongly backed India’s right to retaliate following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead. In a sharply worded statement, Haley said, “Terrorists launched an attack that killed dozens of Indian citizens. India had every right to retaliate and defend itself.”

Haley, who has consistently advocated a tough stance on terrorism, also took aim at Pakistan’s attempt to portray itself as a victim. “Pakistan does not get to play the victim. No country gets a pass for supporting terrorist activity,” she said.

A Pakistan Super League (PSL) match was rescheduled, foreign players participating in the event weighed their options, while the PCB went into a huddle on whether to continue with it at all as the country's cricket schedule went haywire following India's military strikes across cities here. The PSL, a T20 league which follows the IPL format, features six franchises and is scheduled to wind up in Lahore on May 18.

It was currently in its Rawalpindi leg but tonight's match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi has been rescheduled for an unspecified later date by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has decided to reschedule tonight's HBL PSL X match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. The PCB will announce the revised date in due course," the cricket board said in a media statement.

The Indian drone and missile strikes, which have targetted among others Lahore and Rawalpindi so far, are in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

Tonight's match aside, the league's future this season looks bleak at present with foreign players edgy about the security situation due to the military escalation between the two neighbours.

Yesterday, Pakistan launched a targeted attack on the Sikh community of J&K, striking a gurdwara in Poonch and targeting Sikh community members who were present at the site. Three individuals lost their lives in the incident. In total, 16 civilians have been killed in Poonch, while several others have suffered injuries.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said, "... It's also odd that funerals of civilians are being carried out by coffins wrapped in their national flag, and state honours are being awarded... Yesterday Pakistan launched a targeted attack on the Sikh community of J&K - hitting a gurdwara in Poonch and hitting the Sikh community members, who came under attack, and three individuals were killed in the attacks... A total of 16 civilians have been killed in Poonch and several others have been injured."

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan's reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism is rooted in a number of instances. He remarked, "I don't need to remind where Osama Bin Laden was found and who called him a martyr." Misri further asserted that Pakistan is also home to a large number of UN proscribed terrorists and also to terrorists proscribed by many countries. He added that in the last few days, Pakistan's Defence minister and former foreign minister accepted their country's involvement with such terror groups.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said, "When talks were underway regarding the Pahalgam at the UNSC, Pakistan opposed the role of TRF (The Resistance Front). This is subsequent to TRF claiming responsibility for the attack not once, but twice. Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh clearly mentioned yesterday and today as well, that India's response has been non-escalatory, precise, and measured. Our intention is not to escalate matters; we are only responding to the escalation. No military targets have been targeted; only terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan has been hit."

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri has said that India's approach is not to escalate the situation, affirming that the country only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He further commented on Pakistan's international image, noting that Pakistan's reputation as a centre of global terrorism is rooted in various terrorist attacks across the globe. Vikram Misri also emphasised that Pakistan has pursued cross-border terrorism against India for decades.

At a press briefing by the MEA regarding Operation Sindoor, foreign secretary Vikram Misri clarified, "First of all, there is mention on all sides of escalation. I think the first point that you have to keep in mind is that the attack in Pahalgam on April 22 was the original escalation, and the Indian Armed Forces only replied to that escalation on May 7. Secondly, I want to invite your attention to the involvement of the group called The Resistance Front in this attack. I pointed this out yesterday that this a group that is a known front for a well-known Pakistan-based organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group has been reported earlier."