Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives on April 22.
He said the attack came at a time when Kashmir was experiencing a return to peace and prosperity, and accused the perpetrators of wanting to plunge the region back into turmoil.
Speaking to the nation, PM Modi stated that the terror strike reflected the desperation and cowardice of those who thrive on violence.
“When peace was taking root in Kashmir, with schools and colleges bustling, development projects gaining unprecedented momentum, democracy strengthening, tourism hitting record highs, and incomes rising, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir could not digest it,” he said.
He stressed that the attack was a conspiracy by terrorists and their masterminds to derail the progress in the Valley. Modi assured that those responsible for the violence would not escape justice, pledging the “harshest response” against the attackers and their backers.
Highlighting the unity of the nation, he said, “Every Indian, no matter their language or the state they belong to, is feeling the pain of the victims.
The blood of every Indian is boiling after witnessing this brutality. Not just India, but the entire world stands with us in our fight against terrorism.”
The Prime Minister called for collective national resolve, emphasizing that the unity and solidarity of 140 crore Indians would be the country’s greatest strength in overcoming this challenge.
“We must reaffirm our determination and show our iron will as a nation,” he urged.
Referring to his earlier remarks made during a rally in Bihar on April 24, PM Modi reiterated in English, “From the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their supporters.
We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s spirit will never be broken. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India has initiated a series of diplomatic and strategic measures aimed at countering Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
PM Modi also drew parallels with India’s previous responses to major terror attacks — the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
After Uri, where 19 soldiers were killed, Modi had vowed that the sacrifices of Indian soldiers would not be in vain, leading to a surgical strike across the Line of Control.
Similarly, after Pulwama, where 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, India responded with an airstrike on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.
Towards the end of his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to former ISRO chairman K. Kasturirangan, who passed away on April 25.
He lauded Kasturirangan’s immense contributions to India’s space program, science, and education, noting that ISRO achieved new milestones under his leadership,
