Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given full freedom to the armed forces. They can decide how, when, and where to respond to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, most of them tourists.

PM Modi Holds High-Level Meeting

On Tuesday, PM Modi chaired a crucial security meeting. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also joined the meeting.

During the discussion, Modi stated, “It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism.”

Military Gets Full Operational Control

Importantly, Modi expressed complete trust in the armed forces. Government sources quoted him as saying, “They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response.”

Therefore, the military can now respond without seeking further approval.

PM Sends Strong Warning to Terrorists

Earlier, PM Modi gave a stern warning to the terrorists and their supporters. He directly referred to Pakistan, accusing it of supporting terrorism against India. He said the attackers would be punished and added, “The punishment would be beyond their imagination.”

In the past, the Modi government has responded with force. After the 2016 Uri attack, India launched surgical strikes inside Pakistan. Similarly, after the 2019 Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out the Balakot airstrike.

India Takes Diplomatic Steps Too

Along with military planning, India has taken diplomatic steps. As a result, the government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This treaty governs water sharing between both countries.

Home Secretary Holds Another Meeting

Meanwhile, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a high-level meeting earlier in the day. Chiefs of the three paramilitary forces attended. Senior officers from two other security agencies were also present. However, the agenda of this meeting was not made public.