Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday, promised the strictest punishment for the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack and those involved in planning it. He assured the families of the victims that justice will be served.
Talking about the attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, PM Modi said, “Nyay ho kar rahega.” He added that his heart was filled with deep pain and that every Indian was angry after the attack. “Today, as I talk my heart out with you, there is a deep agony in my heart. The Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April has left every citizen of the country heartbroken. Every Indian feels deep sympathy for the families of the victims. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, I understand every citizen is seething with anger after seeing the images of the terrorist attack,” he said.
PM Modi said that the attack showed the desperation and cowardice of the terrorists. “This attack in Pahalgam shows the desperation of the patrons of terrorism; it displays their cowardice…at a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, there was a vibrancy in schools and colleges, construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people’s income was increasing, and new opportunities were being created for the youth. The enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, did not like that,” he said.
‘Enemies wanted to destroy Kashmir’s progress’
He pointed out that the return of peace, the rise in tourism, stronger democracy and better opportunities for youth in Kashmir were making enemies of the country uneasy. “As peace was returning to Kashmir, the enemies of the nation and J&K did not like it. Terrorists and their masters want Kashmir to be destroyed again, which is why such a conspiracy was hatched,” he said.
‘Unity is India’s biggest strength’
Modi stressed that unity is India’s biggest strength in the fight against terrorism. “In this war against terrorism, the unity of the country, the solidarity of 140 crore Indians, is our biggest strength. This unity is the basis of our decisive fight against terrorism. We have to strengthen our resolve to face this challenge that has surfaced before the country. We have to demonstrate strong willpower as a nation. Today the world is watching; after this terrorist attack, the whole country is speaking in one voice,” he said.
Global support for India against terrorism
He also shared that leaders from around the world have condemned the attack and offered their condolences. “Friends, the anger that we, the people of India feel, that anger is there in the whole world. After this terrorist attack, condolences are continuously pouring in from all over the world. Global leaders have called me up as well; written letters and sent messages too. Everyone has strongly condemned this heinous terrorist attack. They have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased,” Modi said.
He concluded by promising again that the victims will get justice. “The entire world stands with the 1.4 billion Indians in our fight against terrorism. Once again, I assure the victims’ families that they will get justice. The conspirators and perpetrators of this attack will face the harshest punishment,” he said.
The terror attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It is one of the deadliest attacks since the Pulwama attack in 2019, where 40 CRPF jawans were killed.
In his address, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, who passed away on Friday. Modi said his selfless service and contribution to nation-building will always be remembered.
With inputs from PTI/ANI