President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled two-day visit to Assam has been postponed in the wake of the tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed the lives of five Indian Army personnel. The President, who was expected to arrive in Guwahati for a series of official engagements and public functions, has decided to defer the trip as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers and to remain engaged with the evolving national security situation.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan issued an official statement late Monday evening confirming the postponement. “In light of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and the loss of brave Indian Army personnel, President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to Assam on April 23–24 has been postponed. The President offers her deepest condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and stands in solidarity with the armed forces and the people of India,” the statement read.
President Murmu was slated to inaugurate several developmental projects during her visit, including a new academic block at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, and to attend cultural and civic receptions hosted by the Assam government. Her presence was also expected at a public gathering in Tezpur, where she was to address students and local communities on themes of education, women’s empowerment, and regional development.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed understanding and support for the decision, stating, “We fully respect the Honourable President’s decision to postpone her visit in this hour of national grief. Assam stands united with the nation in mourning the loss of our brave soldiers. We look forward to welcoming her at a later date.”
The postponement of the President’s visit comes amidst heightened security concerns and national attention on counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack in the Pahalgam-Anantnag area involved an ambush on an Army convoy by heavily armed militants, resulting in intense crossfire and multiple casualties. In response, the central government has launched a comprehensive security review, with high-level meetings being chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
President Murmu, India’s first tribal woman head of state, has made several visits to northeastern states since taking office, underscoring the Centre’s focus on inclusive development and integration of remote regions. Her planned engagements in Assam were aimed at further strengthening the Centre-state partnership and highlighting the achievements of the Northeast in education, innovation, and socio-economic development.
Political observers note that the postponement also reflects the gravity with which the central leadership is viewing the J&K attack, particularly given its timing during the national election period. Sources suggest that the President will likely reschedule her Assam visit in the coming weeks once the immediate national security situation stabilizes.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has reassured that all preparations made for the President’s visit—including public safety, event logistics, and ceremonial arrangements—will be maintained for the rescheduled dates. Officials from the state’s protocol and tourism departments have stated that efforts will continue to ensure that the visit, when it occurs, has a meaningful impact.
Citizens across Assam, though disappointed by the delay, have responded with empathy and support. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence for the martyred soldiers and expressions of solidarity with the President’s decision. “The nation must come first. We are proud that our President chose to stand with the armed forces in this difficult time,” read one post from a student group at Gauhati University.
As the country observes a period of mourning and vigilance, President Murmu’s postponed visit serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s security forces and the ongoing challenges to peace and stability in sensitive regions. When she eventually arrives in Assam, her presence will not only mark a continuation of her developmental mission—but also symbolize resilience in the face of national adversity.