“Those responsible will be punished beyond their imagination,” declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a strong and emotional response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a gathering in Madhubani, Bihar on National Panchayati Raj Day, PM Modi said the attack would not go unanswered and vowed to break the back of terrorism with the united willpower of 140 crore Indians.
The brutal assault in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, including that of a Nepali national and several tourists, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. A militant group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” has taken responsibility, alleging the victims were linked to Indian security forces. However, reports suggest the victims have been selectively targeted based on religion, deepening public anger and grief.
In response, India has launched a series of strong diplomatic and strategic countermeasures. The Indian government summoned Pakistan’s senior diplomat in New Delhi, citing possible cross-border terror links. It also suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing pact between the two nations, and shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing. Additionally, India expelled Pakistani defense advisers and significantly scaled down diplomatic staff in Islamabad, signaling a severe downgrading of ties.
The incident has further strained the already fragile relationship between India and Pakistan, especially in the wake of the 2019 revocation of Article 370 which altered Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Global leaders have condemned the attack, and pressure is mounting on both countries to de-escalate. However, India has made it clear that justice will not be delayed, and those responsible — along with their backers — will face swift and severe consequences.
As the country mourns the victims of this horrific act, the government’s message is unambiguous: terrorism will find no refuge, and accountability will be pursued to its farthest edge.
