In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has promised the country a strong and appropriate response to the perpetrators of the ghastly act.
Speaking at a function at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Singh reiterated the government's firm determination to protect India's security. "As a defence minister, it is my duty to provide security to the country's borders as well as my soldiers. It is my duty to provide a befitting response to those who take the liberty of attacking our nation," he asserted, reiterating India's position against terrorism.
Singh also pointed towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment and determination and assured citizens that under his leadership, the country would move confidently. "All of you must have seen the work culture and tenacity of PM Modi. I assure you that under Prime Minister's leadership, now you will see that things will occur as you desired," he announced.
The Defence Minister acknowledged the dual protection of the country—its soldiers defending the physical borders and the sages and wise men safeguarding its spiritual essence. "While on one hand, our soldiers fight on the ‘Rannbhoomi’ (battlefield), on the other hand, our saints fight on the ‘Jeevanbhoomi’," he remarked.
The Pahalgam terror attack, the worst in Kashmir since Article 370 was scrapped in 2019, was perpetrated by terrorists who showered tourists with bullets. The assault was taken responsibility for by the Resistance Front (TRF), the proxy group of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
India, in turn, reduced its diplomatic relations with Pakistan to the lowest level, severing ties in all fields. Prime Minister Modi had previously promised that the perpetrators and their backers would receive the "toughest" punishment. He had promised the families of the victims that "justice will be served" and emphasized the attack's purpose to hinder Kashmir's recent development, especially in tourism and youth opportunities.
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