Says It’s Our National Resolve to Deliver a Crushing Blow to Terrorism
Suhail Khan
New Delhi, April 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated during a high-level security meeting on Tuesday that the armed forces have been given full operational freedom to determine the mode, timing, and targets of India’s response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 28 tourists.
As per Kashmir Despatch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to deal a decisive blow to terrorism.
The Prime Minister chaired the meeting with top defence officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the three armed forces, where he made these strong remarks.
During the discussions, PM Modi emphasized that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide the mode, targets, and timing of India’s retaliation. He reiterated that crushing terrorism is a national priority and expressed full confidence in the professionalism and capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
Earlier, responding to the attack, PM Modi vowed to hunt down the terrorists responsible and their supporters, implicitly referring to Pakistan, which has long been accused of sponsoring cross-border terrorism against India. He pledged to bring them to justice, warning that the punishment would be “beyond their imagination.”
The Modi government has previously taken decisive military action in response to terrorist attacks, including the 2016 surgical strikes following the Uri attack on Indian soldiers and the 2019 Balakot airstrike after the Pulwama attack on CRPF personnel.
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India has taken several measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pertinently, earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mann Ki Baat address, stated that every Indian’s blood is boiling, and each one of them feels the pain of those who lost their loved ones in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the nation to remain united during this crisis.
Addressing the country in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio program, the Prime Minister said the Pahalgam attack reflects the frustration and cowardice of the “masters of terror.”
“Peace was returning to Kashmir. Schools and colleges were vibrant, development work was progressing at an unprecedented pace, democracy was strengthening, tourism was reaching record numbers, incomes were rising, and new opportunities were emerging for the youth. The enemies of the country, of Jammu and Kashmir, could not tolerate this,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the entire world stands with India.
“I assure the grieving families that they will get justice. Those responsible for this attack will face the harshest punishment. Terrorists and their handlers conspired because they seek to destroy Kashmir,” he declared.
