PM Modi Addresses Pahalgam Attack’s Culprits and Supporters

• Attackers will face unimaginable consequences: Modi.
• Indian Prime Minister pledges to pursue justice vigorously.
• He states that the nation will find, track, and punish those involved.

NEW DELHI: On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to take action against those who supported and carried out an attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of India-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in over two dozen lives lost.

“I say to the entire world: India will identify, track, and hold accountable every terrorist and their supporter […] We will chase them to the ends of the Earth,” PM Modi declared during an address in Bihar.

The shooting at the popular tourist destination on Tuesday marked the deadliest assault on civilians in the disputed Muslim-majority area since 2000. This incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, with India accusing Pakistan of facilitating “cross-border terrorism” and subsequently downgrading diplomatic relations through various measures.

In response to the incident, despite Pakistan’s strong denial of involvement, Modi’s government has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and prohibited entry for Pakistani nationals.

Additionally, New Delhi has ordered the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari and required military, naval, and air attaches from the Pakistani High Commission to exit the country within a week, declaring them as persona non grata.

Pakistan, recalling its own advisers, has also decided to reduce its diplomatic staff in India from the current 55 to 30 by May 1—the same deadline for Pakistani nationals to depart.

During his first public address since the attack, Modi stated: “Let me be clear: those who carried out this attack and those who masterminded it will face severe consequences.” He emphasized, “They will absolutely pay for what they’ve done. Any territory these terrorists occupy will be turned to dust. The determination of 1.4 billion Indians will crush these terrorists.”

Ending his speech with a rare moment in English directed at an international audience, Modi asserted, “Terrorism will not go unpunished,” and added, “Every effort will be made to ensure justice prevails.”

His comments coincide with reports that India has summoned the chief Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi to formally inform that all defense advisers in the Pakistani mission are declared persona non grata and must leave within a week.

As PM Modi seeks justice, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is holding a high-level National Security Committee meeting with key civilian and military leaders to discuss their internal and external security concerns in light of New Delhi’s swift decisions and actions.