PM gives forces 'Full Operational Freedom' to respond to J&K attack: Sources

Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has empowered the Indian armed forces with full authority to choose the "mode, targets, and timing" of a decisive military response. The terror strike was claimed by The Resistance Front, a known proxy of the banned Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

PM Modi delivered this message during a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Sources said the Prime Minister reaffirmed his unwavering confidence in the military and the nation's resolve to crush terrorism.

Shortly after the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also met with the Prime Minister, signaling the gravity of the situation and the unity across India's leadership.

This attack is the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Back then, India responded with precision air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Now, with fresh evidence pointing once again to Pakistani involvement, Delhi is preparing for a forceful reply.

Diplomatic and Strategic Measures Already Underway

India has begun tightening the screws on Pakistan diplomatically. Visas for Pakistani nationals—except for Hindu minorities and those with long-term permits—have been cancelled. Over 1,000 Pakistani citizens have left India since the order came into effect.

Additionally, the government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a key 1960 agreement that provides Pakistan with access to a significant share of river waters. Islamabad has called this move an "act of war" and retaliated by revoking Indian visas and putting other bilateral agreements, such as the Simla Accord, on hold.

Warning from Across the Border

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking to Geo News (now banned in India), admitted the region is on edge, calling the upcoming days "critical" in light of rising tensions.

"Time to End Terror Havens": PM Modi's Message to the World

In a strong public statement, PM Modi vowed to dismantle remaining terror safe havens and declared, "The will of 140 crore Indians will shatter the backbone of the terror masterminds."

India is also briefing global allies—including the US, Russia, China, Japan, and key European nations—on the evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack.

As India prepares to respond on military, diplomatic, and economic fronts, one message is clear: the country will not tolerate any further acts of terror, and justice will be served.