PM Modi Gives Full Operational Freedom to Armed Forces in Choosing Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian armed forces complete operational freedom to determine the mode, timing, and target of India’s response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI.
This decision follows the deadly attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, by Pakistan-backed terrorist groups.
During a high-level security meeting on April 29, 2025, Prime Minister Modi conveyed the government’s resolve to punish those behind the attack, stating that the armed forces have the full authority to respond as they deem fit.
The meeting was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Prime Minister @narendramodi chairs a meeting with Union Defence Minister @rajnathsingh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Chiefs of all the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/ZL0kRxrfko
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 29, 2025
PM Modi expressed a firm commitment to “avenge” the Pahalgam attack and deal a “crushing blow” to terrorism, emphasizing that the terrorists and their backers would face the harshest punishment possible. This statement has raised expectations of a strong and decisive counter-response from India, which may involve actions similar to previous retaliatory strikes, including the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
Earlier during the day, a high-level security meeting was conducted at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Present in the meeting were Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and top brass from BSF, Assam Rifles, NSG, CRPF, SSB, and CISF, amid heightened national security concerns.
#WATCH | A high-level meeting begins in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Those present in the meeting include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and National Security Guard; senior officials of Central Reserve Police Force,… pic.twitter.com/H5SpDqSaRq
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025
The Indian government’s swift political and security responses to the attack included the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, a measure aimed at holding Islamabad accountable for supporting cross-border terrorism. The Cabinet Committee on Security also convened and decided on multiple diplomatic actions to send a strong message to Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack has been described as one of the deadliest in recent years, reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama attack. Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups operating across the border has come under increased scrutiny, with India demanding accountability.
PuneNow is a responsible news channel, and the information reported above has been sourced directly from the Government of India, via the Press Information Bureau and Press Trust of India, meant for public domain. We understand the sensitivity of the situation and the importance of accurate, timely reporting of only such information that the government deems fit for public domain at this critical juncture.
