PM Grants Armed Forces Full Operational Freedom to Respond to Pahalgam Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces full autonomy to determine the response—mode, timing, and targets—to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, according to sources speaking to NDTV on Tuesday night. This decision was made during a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Sources revealed that the Prime Minister reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to eradicate terrorism and expressed his complete trust in the military’s capabilities and judgment.

PM Modi with NSA Ajit Doval, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh during a meeting in New Delhi. (Source: PTI)

Following the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat also visited the Prime Minister’s residence, indicating the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

This directive effectively authorizes a military response to the attack that claimed 26 lives—primarily civilians—making it the deadliest assault since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. After that incident, India had conducted airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

Now, six years later, another Pakistan-based terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been linked to the Pahalgam attack, with its proxy, The Resistance Front, claiming responsibility. Intelligence agencies have found credible evidence pointing to Pakistani involvement. Several nations—including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, and key European countries—have been briefed on these findings.

Diplomatic Measures Underway

India has already initiated multiple diplomatic steps against Pakistan. The first phase involved revoking visas for Pakistani citizens, excluding Pakistani Hindus and those with long-term residency status. Medical visas were also withdrawn. All valid Pakistani visas expired on April 27, leading to long queues at border points, including the Attari-Wagah crossing.

Nearly 1,000 Pakistani nationals have exited India since the visa revocation order came into effect, with Home Minister Amit Shah urging state governments to ensure swift enforcement.

India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that allocates nearly 85% of the shared river water to Pakistan. This move provoked strong backlash from Islamabad, which called it an “act of war.” Pakistan responded by revoking Indian visas and halting several bilateral agreements, including putting the Simla Agreement on hold.

In response, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned of potential conflict with India, calling the coming days “critical” during an interview with Geo News—a platform now banned in India. (From NDTV)

PM Vows Retaliation Against Terrorism

In his first public reaction to the attack, Prime Minister Modi condemned the assault and pledged that terrorism’s evil agenda would not be allowed to succeed. "The time has come to raze whatever is left of the terror haven. The will of 140 crore Indians will shatter the backbone of terror masterminds," he said in a statement interpreted as a stern warning to Pakistan.

Since then, the Prime Minister has reiterated India’s resolve to track down and punish every individual involved in the planning and execution of the attack. (From NDTV)

Conclusion: A Nation United Against Terrorism

India now stands at a pivotal moment, prepared to act decisively against the threat of cross-border terrorism. With full operational freedom granted to the armed forces and robust diplomatic measures in place, the government has signaled both determination and preparedness. As tensions rise, the world watches how India navigates this critical chapter in its ongoing fight against terrorism.