India to give strong response to Pahalgam attack

New Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured the nation that those behind the recent terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam will face a strong response. Speaking at the annual Arjan Singh Memorial lecture on Wednesday, he said India cannot be threatened or shaken by such cowardly attacks.

"Yesterday, in Pahalgam, our country lost many innocent citizens in a cowardly attack by terrorists targeting religion," he said, calling the act “extremely inhuman” and expressing his grief over the loss of lives. “I assure the countrymen that the Government of India will take every step that is necessary and appropriate.”

Singh emphasized that India will not only target the attackers but also those who “sitting behind the scenes, have conspired to carry out the nefarious act on the soil of India.” He added, “India is such an old civilization and such a big country that it cannot be intimidated by any such terrorist activities.”

Before the speech, Singh held a high-level security meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, defence chiefs, and top officials to review the situation. Sources said Singh instructed the armed forces to increase combat readiness and strengthen anti-terror operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, promising justice. Home Minister Amit Shah immediately flew to Srinagar, while Modi returned early from Saudi Arabia to lead discussions in Delhi. The government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, ensuring united national resolve against such threats.