Decide on mode, targets, timing of India’s response: PM to armed forces

New Delhi, Apr 29: In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 persons, mostly tourists dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response.
According to the details available, PM Modi on Tuesday chaired a meeting with the top defence establishment, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also part of the meeting, which was held amid India weighing its options for countermeasures following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Prime Minister Modi sent a strong message: “It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism,” he said, adding, “The fight against terror remains a top national priority.”
He expressed “complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces” and reiterated the government’s full support.
Pertinently, soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi had vowed to pursue the terrorists behind the attack and their patrons to the “ends of earth” and inflict the harshest punishment on them “beyond their imagination”.
Terrorists had gunned down tourists, who were from different parts of the country, at Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22.
In the past, the PM Modi led government carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan after the terror attack on army soldiers in Uri in 2016 and the Balakot air strike after the killings of CRPF personnel in Pulwama.
Following the terror strike in Pahalgam, India has taken a series of measures targeting Pakistan, including putting in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading the diplomatic ties. (KNO)