MADHUBANI, India (Diya TV) — In the aftermath of a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday vowed that India will relentlessly pursue and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and backers responsible for the violence. During an address during the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations in Bihar, Modi declared that “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism” and assured swift justice for the victims.
Speaking partly in English to send a message to the global community, Modi said, “Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world—India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”
The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 claimed 26 lives, including tourists from various parts of the country. According to Jammu and Kashmir police reports, the attackers acted on instructions from handlers across the border and used illegally acquired automatic weapons.
Modi emphasized the unity and resolve of the nation, stating, “The entire country is in shock over how the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam. India is with those who have lost their loved ones in this attack.” He also noted the diverse backgrounds of the victims—speaking languages like Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and Hindi—underscoring the national scale of the tragedy.
“This attack was not just on unarmed tourists but a brazen assault on the soul of India,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the government is making every effort to ensure the speedy recovery of the injured and extended gratitude to world leaders who have expressed solidarity with India.
In a series of strong retaliatory moves following the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on April 23, India announced several diplomatic and military-level measures against Pakistan. The government has canceled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, requiring all beneficiaries currently in India to leave the country within 48 hours.
India is also reducing the diplomatic strength at both the Indian and Pakistani high commissions to 30 personnel each, down from 55, effective May 1. Further, India has expelled Pakistan’s Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from its High Commission in Delhi, declaring them persona non grata, and will recall its military advisors from Islamabad.
Another significant step was that India immediately shut down the Integrated Check Post at the Attari Border in Amritsar. The CCS also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a move seen as one of the strongest diplomatic signals yet, pending Pakistan’s verifiable end to its support for cross-border terrorism.
“The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror,” Modi declared, sending a clear message that India’s patience has worn thin and concrete actions will replace mere condemnations.
