Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday assured the nation that those responsible for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, will be hunted down and brought to justice.
Speaking at an event in Delhi, Shah said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has responded strongly to terrorism and will continue to do so. The event was held to unveil a statue of Bodo community leader Upendra Nath Brahma, with a Delhi road also renamed in his honor.
“If those who indulge in terror think that killing 27 citizens was a big victory, I want to tell them this is not the end. We will hunt down every perpetrator,” Shah said.
Nation Stands United Against Terrorism
Shah emphasized that not just Indians, but the entire world stands with India in its fight against terrorism.
“It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country. Our fight will continue till terrorism is eliminated. Those who carried out this act will be punished,” he stated.
April 22 Attack: A Tragic Reminder of Past Violence
On April 22, heavily armed terrorists ambushed and killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in the Baisaran grasslands near Pahalgam. One more victim, a 31-year-old doctor from Tamil Nadu, remains in critical condition at AIIMS Delhi.
The attack is being seen as the worst against civilians since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, echoing the dark days of terrorism in the 1990s and 2000s.
Government Responds with Strong Measures
India has already launched diplomatic countermeasures, including:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Downgrading of bilateral ties with Pakistan
- Expulsion of most Pakistani nationals in India
- Closure of the Attari land border crossing
Though Pakistan has issued retaliatory steps, both countries have not officially ended the ceasefire. However, tensions remain high.
Modi and Rajnath Singh Echo Tough Stance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said India will pursue terrorists to the ends of the earth. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also stressed that not only attackers but also their handlers would face consequences, widely seen as a message to Pakistan.
Shah Offers Condolences, Honors Bodo Leader
Addressing families of the victims, Amit Shah said:
“This loss is not only yours. Every citizen of the country mourns with you.”
The event also marked the 35th death anniversary of Upendra Nath Brahma, a respected Bodo leader and social reformer. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma were present. The Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi has now been renamed Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg.
