New Delhi, April 27 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday vowed that the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack would receive justice, assuring the country that the terrorists and their conspirators would face the harshest punishment.
At least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed on April 22 when militants opened fire in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam in Kashmir, an attack that triggered nationwide outrage and demands for a strong response against Pakistan, long accused of supporting terrorism across the border.
Addressing the nation through his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi said the brutal killings had left “every Indian’s blood boiling.”
“I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack,” Modi said.
“I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will definitely be done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served the harshest punishment.”
The prime minister described the assault as an act of desperation and cowardice by the enemies of India, particularly aimed at derailing the peace and development returning to the Kashmir Valley.
“Enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, could not digest the vibrancy returning to the Valley — the construction boom, the strengthening of democracy, the surge in tourism, the rise in people’s incomes, and the new opportunities opening up for our youth,” Modi said.
“Terrorists and their masterminds want Kashmir to be destroyed again, and hence they executed such a big conspiracy.”
He added that the attack had wounded the collective heart of the nation, cutting across regions and languages.
“Every Indian is feeling deep sympathies for the affected families, no matter which state one belongs to or which language one speaks,” he said.
Modi called for a renewed national resolve to confront terrorism, pointing to the country’s unity as its greatest weapon.
“Our unity is the foundation of our decisive fight against terrorism,” he said.
“Today, the world is witnessing how, after this terrorist attack, the entire country is speaking in one voice.”
The prime minister said that international leaders had expressed support following the attack, reaching out with calls, letters, and messages condemning the violence and offering condolences to the families of the victims.
“The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism,” Modi said.
He noted that the attack came at a time when peace was gradually returning to Kashmir, with schools and colleges bustling with activity and an atmosphere of normalcy spreading across the Valley.
Modi said the progress had unsettled those who “patronize” terrorism — a veiled reference to Pakistan.
“The attack in Pahalgam reflects the desperation and cowardice of the patrons of terrorism at a time when hope was blossoming in Kashmir,” Modi said.
The prime minister closed his remarks by urging the nation to face this challenge with strength and resolve.
“We have to strengthen our resolve to face this challenge before the country,” he said.
“We have to demonstrate strong willpower as a nation.”
