Madhubani

Addressing Pakistan and its sponsored terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, killing 25 tourists and one local service provider, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the perpetrators would be hounded and punished; and “punished to the level beyond their imagination”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a firm warning to those behind the Pahalgam terror attack, promising swift and decisive retaliation. Speaking at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar’s Madhubani, the Prime Minister declared that India would not rest until justice is done for the 26 civilians killed in the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

“Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done. The entire nation is one in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us.”

Speaking in English, he said, “I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us...The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about..."

“Innocent lives were lost in Pahalgam, and the country is united in grief and anger,” PM Modi said. “From the soil of Bihar, I assure the nation—every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers will be tracked, punished, and pursued to the ends of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”

The Prime Minister also led the gathering in observing a one-minute silence to honour the victims, chanting "Om Shanti" as a tribute. “Let us all stand together in this moment of grief,” he urged.

Reiterating India’s resolve, Modi emphasized the strength, and unity of the nation. “The willpower of 140 crore Indians will break the back of terrorism,” he added. He also thanked global leaders for standing in solidarity with India.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the attack, calling it a “very sad incident,” and expressed solidarity with the victims' families. “The entire country stands united against terrorism. We thank the Prime Minister for his strong stance,” Kumar said.

In response to the attack, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting in Parliament at 6 PM on Thursday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to deliberate on national security measures and the aftermath of the attack.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a series of immediate measures taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
2. Immediate closure of the Attari integrated checkpost.
3. Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
4. Expulsion of Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
5. Withdrawal of Indian defence advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

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These actions underline India’s resolve to respond with strength and clarity. The Pahalgam attack, in which terrorists targeted tourists, has been condemned across the political spectrum and has sparked renewed calls for international cooperation in combating terrorism.