Will punish Pahalgam attack perpetrators, their backers: PM

Srinagar, Apr 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, announced that perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack, that left 26 civilians dead, would be traced and punished and the nation won’t rest till the culprits and their backers are brought to book.
Speaking at an event in Bihar’s Madhubani, the Prime Minister commenced his speech by paying a silent tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack.
The Prime Minister said that the entire country is in pain because of the attack. The government is working hard to ensure the well-being of the injured, he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the personal losses of the victims’ families, stating that people from various parts of India, speaking different languages, had lost their loved ones. “Someone has lost a son, someone has lost a brother, someone has lost a life partner. This pain is felt from Kargil to Kanyakumari,” he said.
PM Modi described the attack not only as an assault on innocent tourists but also as an attack on India’s spirit. “This was not just an attack on tourists; the enemies of India have dared to attack the soul of our nation,” he said.
He assured that the government was determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Prime Minister made it clear that both the terrorists who carried out the attack and those who supported them would face severe consequences.
“The time has come to dismantle whatever is left of the terror haven. The will of 140 crore Indians will break the back of the masters of terror,” he said.
In a direct message to the global community, the Prime Minister switched to English and stated that identifying, tracking, and punishing the terrorists and their backers is India’s top priority. “I say to the world that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them wherever they are. India’s spirit will not be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the international community for their support during this difficult time. “I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us,” he added.
“Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done. The entire nation stands firm in this resolve. Those who believe in humanity stand with us,” he said.
The Prime Minister made it clear that the government would not rest until the perpetrators were held accountable, stating, “These terrorists and their supporters will receive punishment greater than they can imagine, and the strength of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of terror,” he said.
Pertinently, India had on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.
The gunning down of tourists by terrorists has sparked outrage across the country and a demand for decisive action from the PM Modi led government, which is identified with a muscular stand on the plank of national security. (KNO)