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PM allows forces full freedom after Pahalgam attack PM grants operational freedom to forces for Pahalgam attack response
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025 00:00 am
News Headlines, English News, Today Headlines, Top Stories | Arth Parkash

News Headlines, English News, Today Headlines, Top Stories | Arth Parkash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level security meeting on Tuesday in Delhi following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This meeting, held at his residence, came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had already briefed the PM about the security situation and the readiness of India’s military.

In the meeting, the PM expressed strong determination to crush terrorism and announced that the Indian armed forces have complete operational freedom. This means the military can now decide how, when, and where to strike back without waiting for further political instructions.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is also reported that the Prime Minister will lead a follow-up meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Security, which includes top ministers.

Later in the day, PM Modi also met with Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for undisclosed discussions.

Government officials confirmed that Modi gave full support to the armed forces and encouraged them to respond to the attack with all their professional expertise. The PM said that this freedom allows the military to take strong and timely actions based on their judgment.

Army prepared for response

The Pahalgam attack happened on April 22 when heavily armed terrorists attacked tourists at the Baisaran grasslands, killing 26 people. Out of them, 25 were tourists and 24 were Hindus. It was the deadliest terror strike in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Pakistan-based terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. This incident happened when US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India, raising international concerns. India has identified three Pakistani terrorists involved and traced their online activity to prove Pakistan’s role in the attack.

Since then, the Line of Control (LoC), the border between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, has become increasingly tense. Pakistani forces have been targeting Indian Army posts at night using heavy fire, especially in sectors like Baramulla, Kupwara, and Akhnoor. This has happened for five straight nights. Indian forces have responded in a calm but firm way.

Experts believe that this kind of aggression from Pakistan’s army is a way to distract Indian forces and possibly support more terrorists crossing into India.

The ceasefire agreement made in February 2021 between the two countries is now under serious strain. Though both sides had previously violated the 2003 ceasefire, this new pattern of attacks is more dangerous. Instead of isolated incidents, Pakistan is firing at multiple locations across the 740-km border regularly.

In response, the Indian Army and police are continuing major search operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Their main focus is on the thick forests between Kashmir and Kishtwar, which may be escape routes for the attackers. Security forces are checking all leads and searching areas in the Pir Panjal mountain range.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also joined the probe. Its teams visited the Baisaran area to gather forensic evidence and interview witnesses. Police and NIA officials are questioning zipline operators, photographers, and other locals who were present at the time of the attack. Some of them are still in custody as the investigation continues. They are also reviewing video recordings made by tourists and locals before and after the attack.

India takes strong diplomatic steps

Apart from preparing a military response, India has also taken tough diplomatic actions against Pakistan:

  1. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a historic agreement that governed river sharing.

  2. It has downgraded all official relationships with Pakistan.

  3. Most Pakistani citizens in India have been asked to leave.

  4. The only land border crossing at Attari has been shut down.

These steps are designed to isolate Pakistan internationally and show that India will not tolerate terrorism. However, Pakistan has reacted with its own countermeasures:

Despite all this, both countries have stopped short of openly cancelling the 2021 ceasefire agreement. But the increasing violence and hostile exchanges on the border suggest that the situation is fragile and could escalate further.

Security experts warn that the use of heavier weapons and artillery in future attacks cannot be ruled out. Pakistan’s army seems to be testing India’s patience by expanding the area of conflict.

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Public and political reaction

Prime Minister Modi had already given a strong message shortly after the Pahalgam attack, promising the “harshest punishment” to those involved. He had also declared that India will chase terrorists to the ends of the Earth. These powerful words show that the government is serious about retaliating strongly.

Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major (retd), a former Indian Air Force chief, said that while the PM’s statements show a clear intent, the exact nature of India’s response will only be known to top political and military leaders.

Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, also reaffirmed India’s commitment to bring not only the attackers but also their handlers to justice. He chaired a long meeting of security officials the day after the attack to evaluate the situation and prepare a strategy for military action.

Though specific plans have not been disclosed, India has several military options available:

However, each option carries risks of escalation, so any action must be carefully planned. Experts say that the full operational freedom granted by the Prime Minister allows the military to act quickly and smartly, based on real-time intelligence and battlefield needs.

The coming days are crucial. As tensions rise along the border and investigations continue in Jammu and Kashmir, India is moving both diplomatically and militarily to respond to the brutal Pahalgam attack.

The country has made it clear: terrorism will not be tolerated, and anyone behind such violence will be punished, whether inside or outside India.

With high-level meetings underway and military preparations being finalized, India’s next steps could shape regional stability. For now, the world watches closely as the nation stands united in grief and determination.