Delhi, 30 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead significant meetings on Wednesday, including a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) session. This follows high-level discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other top officials where the armed forces were given operational autonomy regarding their responses to threats. This move comes as India prepares to retaliate against terrorist organizations supported by Pakistan, particularly in response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

The Wednesday meetings include the CCS, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), and Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), starting at 11 am. This CCS session marks the second since the Pahalgam incident, where consequential decisions against Pakistan were made, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and halting visa services for Pakistanis.

Key participants in the CCS include the defence and home ministers, finance minister, and other prominent leaders. Following the CCS, the CCEA will convene around 11:15 am, succeeded by the Union Cabinet meeting, the first since the attack.

Historically, the CCPA convened after the Pulwama attack in 2019, leading to significant decisions, including revoking Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation status and carrying out airstrikes in Balakot. In response, Pakistan has heightened military readiness and has initiated unprovoked firing across the Line of Control, countered effectively by Indian forces.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar