‘We will punish them beyond imagination’: PM Modi vows justice after Pahalgam terror attack

In a powerful address from Madhubani, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24 issued a resolute message following the Pahalgam terror attack that left at least 27 people dead and many more wounded.

Calling the assault an affront to the very “soul of Bharat,” Modi vowed that those responsible — along with their conspirators — will face retribution “beyond their imagination.”

“This is not just an attack on unarmed tourists,” Modi stated at the National Panchayati Raj Day program. “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. Our spirit has never been broken by terrorism, and it never will be.” He also observed two minutes of silence to honor the victims.

India’s swift diplomatic and strategic retaliation

In a sweeping series of moves, the Indian government has taken a hard stance in response to what it calls cross-border complicity in the attack:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), a major diplomatic signal;
• Downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, with military officials and diplomats expelled from the High Commission in Delhi;
• Cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, who have been ordered to leave within 48 hours;
• Immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border checkpost;
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani citizens.

Additionally, the release of the film Abir Gulal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has been blocked by the Centre—further reflecting India’s hardening posture.

All-party meeting and international ripples

The Centre has convened an all-party meeting in Parliament to discuss national security and the government’s response. The session will be addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Meanwhile , the US has updated its travel advisory, issuing a stern “Do Not Travel” warning for Jammu & Kashmir, and urging citizens to avoid areas within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border.

The advisory cites “sporadic violence and potential for armed conflict,” highlighting Pahalgam as a location of concern alongside Srinagar and Gulmarg.

Voices from the ground: A local hero speaks

In the aftermath of the attack, Irshad Ahmad, President of the Pahalgam ATV Stand, shared his harrowing experience assisting rescue operations in the inaccessible Baisaran Valley.

“We transported security forces through terrain no regular vehicle could cross,” he recalled. “I carried Navy Officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife to the ambulance. I checked his pulse — he had passed. But to comfort his wife, I told her he was alive. That moment broke me.”

Ahmad said he broke down four times during the rescue effort. “We never want such horror to visit Kashmir again.”