Daily Briefing: The Army's freehand in Pahalgam response

Indian Express

30-04-2025

Good morning,
From India's storied Golconda mines—the birthplace of legends like the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Nur—emerged The Golconda Blue, once destined to fetch a whopping $35–$50 million at Christie's. It was poised to become the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever auctioned. Its anonymous owners have instead opted for a private sale within the family, pulling the gem from public view. But its legacy is anything but quiet. Once owned by the Maharaja of Indore, passed to famed jeweller Harry Winston, and briefly held by the Maharaja of Baroda, the Golconda Blue has a rich history. Read about it in our explainer.
On that note, let's get to today's edition.
Big Story
As the government readies its response to the April 21 Pahalgam attack, India's top defence leaders gathered at the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. Per sources, PM Modi told them the armed forces have ' complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response'. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS)—comprising the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister and External Affairs Minister—is expected later today.
So, what should India's response be? Our columnists C Raja Mohan, M N Sabharwal, and Manish Sabharwal weigh in. Raja Mohan argues that India's retaliation must not just punish but compel a political reckoning inside Pakistan. (Read) Meanwhile, the Sabharwals examine the strategic arc of India's Kashmir policy and why this attack demands a forceful reaction.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistani minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that Islamabad has 'credible intelligence' suggesting India could launch a military operation within the next 24–36 hours.
Only in Express
The diplomatic measures in the wake of the Pahalgam attack have spelt despair for several families. As India ordered Pakistani nationals to return to their countries, the Attari border post has become a site of teary farewells and heartbreak. For many, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals has meant separation from spouses and children. My colleague, Kamaldeep Singh Brar, documents their stories.
Similar scenes are playing out miles away in Jammu and Kashmir, where many fear a midnight knock by the police, which will send them to Attari alongside other deportees.
From the Front Page
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(S)heroes: Last year, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister announced his government's plans to create an experimental women-led district administration. In the first such district, Lahaul and Spiti, all seven top governance and administrative posts are now held by women.
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And Finally…
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🎧 Before you go, don't forget to tune in to the latest '3 Things' podcast episode. Today's lineup: Crackdown on Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in Ahmedabad and the shutting down of tourist sites in J&K.
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