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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the country’s military “complete operational freedom” to respond to the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 civilian lives on April 22.
According to a senior government official, Modi, in a high-level closed-door meeting with defence chiefs and security officials, stated that the armed forces are free to decide the “mode, targets, and timing” of India’s response to the attack, which New Delhi blames on Pakistan.
“This is our national resolve—to crush terrorism and those behind it,” Modi reportedly told the military leadership. He expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces and pledged total government support for any response.
Tensions with Pakistan Escalate
The Kashmir attack, which took place in the tourist town of Pahalgam, has further strained relations between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan. Following the incident:
Both nations have engaged in cross-border firing,
Expelled diplomats,
And shut down sections of the border.
Pakistan denies any involvement, rejecting claims that the attackers were affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-listed terrorist group. However, Indian police have issued wanted posters for three suspects — two Pakistani nationals and one Indian citizen.
In a bold statement last week, Modi vowed:
“India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backer — wherever they may be.”
Kashmir remains a long-standing flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of whom claim the region in full. A separatist insurgency has simmered in Indian-administered Kashmir since 1989.
