Srinagar, Apr 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a firm and strong response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
Addressing a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, the Prime Minister assured the nation that those responsible for the attack—both perpetrators and conspirators—would face retribution “beyond imagination.”
Opening his address with a moment of silence in memory of the victims, Modi said the pain of the attack was being felt across the country, from Kargil to Kanyakumari. “These were not just tourists; they were someone’s sons, husbands, and brothers. The entire country stands with the bereaved families in this moment of loss,” he said.
Declaring that India’s unity and resilience would overcome the forces of terror, Modi pledged that the country would identify, track, and punish every individual involved in the attack.
He said, “Friends, 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.”
Though he stopped short of directly naming Pakistan, Modi sent a clear message, stating that the time had come to destroy the remaining ground of terrorism and that the masterminds behind the assault would face severe consequences. “The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror,” he added.
In the wake of the attack, the Indian government has initiated a series of retaliatory diplomatic measures. On Wednesday, it announced the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, citing its suspected links to the assault. This includes the expulsion of Pakistani military officials, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and the closure of the Attari land-transit route.
The Ministry of External Affairs followed up with additional steps, suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals and revoking all existing visas with effect from April 27. Medical visas will remain valid only until April 29, and all Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to leave before their visa expiry dates.
Modi also acknowledged the global support India has received following the attack. “Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times,” he said.
The Pahalgam terror strike has triggered nationwide grief and outrage, with last rites for the victims being held across multiple states including Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. As India mourns, the Prime Minister reiterated that the country’s development is inextricably linked to its internal peace and security. “Fast development needs peace and security. We will ensure both, no matter what it takes,” he said.
