India Gives Free Hand to Armed Forces: Stern Action Promised After Pahalgam Attack
In a strong and unequivocal response to the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted full operational freedom to the Indian Armed Forces to take all necessary action against those responsible for the attacks. The decision came following a high-level security meeting chaired by the Prime Minister with key members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), including the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Complete Operational Freedom to Forces
The Prime Minister instructed the Indian Armed Forces to retaliate at a time and place of their choosing and in a manner they deem appropriate. The government expressed its full confidence in the capabilities of the Indian Army and assured that those behind this heinous act will be held accountable. “The sacrifice of our brave soldiers will not go in vain,” PM Modi emphasized during the meeting. The Centre has taken this attack seriously and declared that no one involved in planning or executing the act will be spared.
PM Modi: "Punishment Will Be Beyond Imagination"
Addressing a public gathering in Madhubani, Bihar, Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful message. He stated that the Pahalgam attack was not merely an attack on tourists, but an attack on the soul of India. “The perpetrators will face such punishment that they will not even have imagined. Their hideouts will be razed to the ground, and justice will be swift and ruthless,” said the Prime Minister. Modi assured the citizens that the country is united, and such acts of terror will only strengthen national resolve.
He added, “This is not the first time that cowards have attacked us from behind. But this time, the response will make history.” PM Modi further stated that those plotting against the nation will now face the full might of India’s security apparatus, and no mercy will be shown.
India Halts Indus Water Treaty and Closes Attari Check Post
As part of diplomatic and strategic retaliation, the Government of India has suspended the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and closed the Attari check post. This was decided in a CCS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi. These measures are intended to send a strong and clear message to Pakistan regarding its alleged role in supporting terrorism. The Centre affirmed that punitive measures will not be limited to direct attackers but will extend to those who support and harbor them.
The meeting also discussed strengthening border surveillance and increasing cross-border intelligence coordination. According to sources, military deployments along the Line of Control (LoC) and international borders have been heightened.
Terrorists Identified, Rewards Announced
Sketches of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack have been released by law enforcement agencies. The government has announced a reward of ₹20 lakhs for credible information leading to their arrest. The Prime Minister has vowed that justice will be delivered, no matter how long it takes or where the culprits are hiding.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also reiterated the government’s firm stance, stating, “Terrorists and those supporting them will receive a befitting response. The time of soft approaches is over.”
Diplomatic, Military, and Developmental Fronts Activated
The Indian Government has activated a three-pronged approach in response to the Pahalgam tragedy:
- Military – Operational freedom has been granted to security forces to eliminate terrorist networks.
- Diplomatic – International allies are being briefed; Pakistan has been warned through diplomatic channels.
- Economic and Strategic Measures – The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and border trade routes such as the Attari post marks a shift in policy.
Additionally, at the Panchayati Raj event in Bihar, PM Modi announced over ₹13,480 crore for rural development projects, further reinforcing the government's commitment to development alongside security. He emphasized that terrorism cannot derail India's progress and that a safer, stronger India is the ultimate tribute to the lives lost in such attacks.
