Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt address on Thursday, promised that the killers behind the tragic attack in Pahalgam would be hunted down “to the ends of the earth,” pledging to “identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.” This was his first public statement following the horrific attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.
With a tone of unwavering resolve, Modi made it clear that India’s fight against terrorism would continue without compromise. Speaking from Bihar, he declared in English, “Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world—India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them relentlessly. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”
Modi’s words resonated with a promise of justice and a call for unity, stating, “Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served. The entire nation stands firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood by us in these difficult times.”
In a direct message aimed at Pakistan, though not explicitly naming the country, he said with firm conviction: “I say categorically that those who carried out the attack, and those who orchestrated it, will face punishment beyond their imagination. Punishment will be served.”
Modi reinforced that the collective willpower of 140 crore Indians would break the back of those who sponsor terrorism. Expressing his deep sorrow, the Prime Minister offered condolences to the families of the victims. “Citizens across the country mourn this senseless loss of life,” he said, adding that the families of the victims, who hailed from different parts of India such as Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, and Bihar, were in the nation’s thoughts.
“Our sorrow and anger are the same from Kargil to Kanyakumari,” he said. Modi underscored that peace and security are the foundation for the nation’s growth and progress.
The attack, which targeted innocent civilians, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for decisive action. The Modi government, known for its firm stance on national security, has already taken measures, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and shutting down the Attari land-transit post in response to the cross-border links tied to the attack.
As the nation comes together in grief, Modi’s promise is clear: those responsible will be held accountable, and the fight against terrorism will continue until justice is served.
