The Indian leader has authorized the military to decide the mode and timing of any armed response to Pakistan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday gave the country’s armed forces “full operational freedom” to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, Indian media has reported citing sources.
The message was delivered at a high-level security meeting attended by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan.
NDTV reported that during the meeting, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s resolve to “deal a crushing blow to terrorism” and that he has “complete faith and confidence” in the Indian military.
Reacting to the attack last week, Modi vowed to “identify, trace and punish” the terrorists “and their backers.” In an emotional speech at a rally in Bihar, he said “We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.” On Sunday, Modi reiterated that the “conspirators and perpetrators of this attack will face the harshest response.”
The attack on April 22 left 26 people, mostly tourists from various parts of India, dead and dozens injured. The massacre was unleashed by terrorists in broad daylight at a popular picnic spot in Pahalgam, southern Kashmir. The Resistance Front, a militant group believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility, prompting New Delhi to accuse Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has denied any role in the attack and stated it is for a neutral and transparent investigation.
It was the worst such tragedy since the Pulwama attack in February 2019, when a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a bus in a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy, killing 40 personnel. In response, India conducted precision air strikes on terrorist camps reportedly run by banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan’s Balakot.
In response to the latest attack, India suspended the key Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed its land border, and suspended visas for Pakistani citizens, effectively ordering them to leave Indian soil within a few days.
Earlier on Tuesday, Indian media reported that New Delhi had launched extensive counter-terrorism operations across various locations in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Four counter-terrorism operations are reportedly taking place in the region as part of a heightened security crackdown. The Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police are conducting joint operations, with a focus on southern Kashmir, local media said.
Security has been increased in areas such as Pulwama (the scene of a major terror attack in 2019), where searches are taking place in forested and rural areas. As part of security measures, 48 out of 87 public parks and gardens in vulnerable areas have been closed in an effort to maintain safety and prevent potential threats.
