SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, would be traced and punished, declaring that the nation would not rest until both the attackers and their backers are brought to justice.
Speaking at an event in Madhubani, Bihar, the Prime Minister began his address by paying silent tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack. He said the entire country was in mourning over the tragedy. He assured that the government was working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the injured.
Modi acknowledged the personal losses suffered by the families of the victims, noting that the deceased came from various corners of the country. “Someone has lost a son, someone a brother, someone a life partner. This pain is being felt from Kargil to Kanyakumari,” he said.
The Prime Minister described the attack as more than just a strike on tourists—it was, he said, an assault on the spirit of India. “This was not just an attack on tourists; the enemies of India have dared to strike at the soul of our nation,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s firm resolve to punish those responsible. “The time has come to dismantle whatever remains of the terror haven. The will of 140 crore Indians will break the back of the masters of terror,” Modi said.
In a message directed at the international community, the Prime Minister switched to English and declared that identifying, tracking, and punishing the terrorists and their backers is India’s top priority. “I say to the world that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them wherever they are. India’s spirit will not be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to international leaders and countries for their support during this difficult time. “I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us,” he added.
“Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done. The entire nation stands firm in this resolve. Those who believe in humanity stand with us,” he said.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government would not stop until justice was delivered: “These terrorists and their supporters will receive punishment greater than they can imagine, and the strength of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of terror,” he said.
Pertinently, India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a series of tough measures, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, and the immediate closure of the Attari land-transit post, following revelations of cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack.
The brutal killing of tourists by terrorists has triggered outrage across the country, intensifying demands for decisive action from the Modi-led government, known for its robust national security stance.
