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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a stern warning to the terrorists and handlers behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. He pledged direct retaliation and justice for the victims.
“Those responsible will receive a strong response. We will not only punish the killers but also those who conspired from the shadows,” he said at an event in Delhi.
After a 2.5-hour security review with NSA Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff, and military leaders, Singh declared, “Attackers and their masters will be targeted.”
Calling the attack ‘cowardly and inhuman’, Singh said terrorists targeted people based on religion.
He further added, “India has a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. We will take every necessary and appropriate step.”
On X, he expressed anguish, calling the massacre ‘dastardly’ and ‘reprehensible’.
Deeply anguished by the news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 22, 2025
The attack, carried out in Pahalgam on Tuesday, saw gunmen question victims about their faith before opening fire. A Navy officer on holiday was among the dead.
Disturbing videos showed traumatised survivors, including women splattered in blood.
The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
Agencies released sketches of three attackers, but no encounter has occurred yet.
Defence expert Maj Gen Yash Mor (retd) highlighted ISI’s likely role. Intelligence suggests Pakistan-based scouts were in the region in early April.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing the culprits ‘will not be spared’.
His return flight from Saudi Arabia avoided Pakistan’s airspace, seen as a security precaution.
Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site, vowed justice, and declared, “Bharat will not bend to terror.”
The Pahalgam terror attack is the deadliest in Jammu & Kashmir since Pulwama in 2019.
Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: EaseMyTrip Offers Free Flight Rescheduling For Tourists Till April 30
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