Modi Grants Full Authority to Armed Forces to Respond to Pahalgam Terror Attack

International Desk

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted full autonomy to the country’s armed forces to determine the nature, timing, and targets of India’s response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

This decision was made during a high-level security meeting in the capital on April 29, Tuesday.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. High-level sources within the government stated that Modi emphasized India’s firm resolve to give a decisive response against terrorism.

The Prime Minister stated, “Our armed forces have complete operational freedom,” expressing full confidence in their ability to set the country’s military strategy.

Modi issued a stern warning to the attackers and their sponsors, stating they would be relentlessly pursued and punished in ways “beyond their imagination.” Although he did not name Pakistan directly, this comment is widely interpreted as a clear message aimed at the neighboring country.

In related actions, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) referred to violations by Islamabad and suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The committee also directed that all Pakistani nationals without long-term, diplomatic, or government visas leave India by April 29.

Following this directive, Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the Chief Ministers of various states, requesting the strict enforcement of the deadline. Later, the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, reiterated the message during a national video conference with state-level officials.

This development comes shortly after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in multiple fatalities and increased tension in the region.