Two days after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning to terrorists and their supporters. Speaking at an event in Bihar, Modi emphasized India’s determination to hold those responsible accountable. He switched to English mid-speech to ensure his message reached the international community.
Modi declared that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack would be pursued “to the ends of the earth,” and promised to “identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.”
Here are the key points from his speech:
1. Message to the World:
“From the soil of Bihar, I am telling the world that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers,” Modi stated in English. He added, “Every effort will be made to ensure justice. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Those who believe in humanity stand with us, and I thank the countries and their leaders for their support during these times.”
His use of English was seen as a deliberate move to send a strong message to global leaders that India would not remain silent and that there would be consequences for the attack.
2. No Safe Haven for Terrorists:
Modi vowed that India would relentlessly pursue the attackers. “We will pursue them to the ends of the world… terrorism will not go unpunished,” he declared. He warned the terrorists and their backers that they would face a punishment greater than they could imagine. He described the attack as more than an assault on civilians, calling it an attack on the “soul of Bharat.”
3. Nation United in Grief:
Modi declared, “India’s spirit will never be broken, and terrorism will not go unpunished.” He expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, mentioning that those killed hailed from different regions of India, including Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, and Bihar. “From Kargil to Kanyakumari, we stand united in grief and anger,” he said in Hindi.
4. Indirect Message to Pakistan:
While not naming Pakistan, Modi made it clear that those responsible for the attack and those who planned it would face severe consequences. “The time has come to destroy the remnants of the terror haven,” he said. “The will of 140 crores will break the back of the masters of terror.”
5. Global Support Acknowledged:
Modi thanked global powers, including the United States, European Union, Russia, Israel, and China, for condemning the attack and standing with India. “Everyone who believes in humanity is with us,” he said, expressing gratitude for international support.
In response to the attack, India has suspended a 65-year-old water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, increasing pressure on Islamabad. Following the attack, Modi returned immediately from Saudi Arabia and held multiple review meetings. He has not ruled out further action, including military strikes.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to combating terrorism, Modi posted on social media: “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared… their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable.”
