SC to hear PIL on May 1 seeking judicial probe into Pahalgam terror attack

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Thursday seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam that left 26 dead.

According to ANI, the plea, filed by Kashmir resident Mohammad Junaid along with Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar, also urges the apex court to issue directions to the Central government and the Union Territory administration to ensure enhanced protection for tourists visiting Kashmir.

The matter has been listed for hearing before a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh.

The attack in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one local. The incident has raised tensions between the India and Pakistan as Indian intelligence suggest Pakistan-backed terror groups behind it.

In retaliation to the terror attack, the Central government has suspended the Indus Water Treaty as well as visas and stays of several Pakistani diplomats. Meanwhile, Pakistan responded to this by suspending the Simla agreement and initiating unprovoked small arms firing at the LoC.

In light of the incident, PM Modi has also allowed "full freedom" to the Indian Armed Forces to take appropriate action as a response.

Following the brutal terrorist attack, tourism in the region has seen a sharp decline. Many travelers cancelled their plans out of fear, and several tourist spots remain closed due to heightened security concerns.

However, some tourists who had pre-booked their trips decided to go ahead, encouraged by tightened security and the visible presence of army personnel.