New Delhi: In a powerful and emotionally charged address from Madhubani, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that India will track down and punish every terrorist and their backers involved in the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this week.
Opening his speech with a silent tribute to the victims, the Prime Minister condemned the attackers and described the massacre as an assault on India’s very soul. “Someone lost a son, someone a brother, a life partner… They were from every corner of our country—Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and even Bihar’s own son,” he said, emphasizing the nationwide grief and unity in the face of the tragedy.
Referring to Pakistan without naming it directly, PM Modi declared, “The time has come to raze whatever is left of the terror haven. The will of 140 crore Indians will break the back of these masters of terror. The terrorists and those who supported them will receive a punishment they cannot even imagine.”
In a strategic shift to English, clearly directed at the international community, the Prime Minister added: “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. Our spirit will never be broken. Terrorism will not go unpunished. The entire nation is firm in this resolve.”
He also expressed gratitude to world leaders who have stood with India in condemning the attack, underlining that “everyone who believes in humanity is with us.”
PM Modi had returned early from a planned diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia following news of the attack. He quickly convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, during which a series of retaliatory measures were announced.
These measures include:
• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari for Pakistani nationals.
• Reduction in diplomatic staff at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions from 55 to 30.
• Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
• Declaration of Pakistani military advisers as Persona Non Grata.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reinforced India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, stating that not just the attackers, but also those orchestrating terror from behind the scenes, will face consequences. “A strong, clear response is coming,” he assured.
The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, has triggered nationwide outrage and calls for decisive action. The Indian government’s response marks a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and reaffirms its commitment to tackling terrorism at every level.
