India won’t bow to terror: PM Modi’s stern warning on Pahalgam attack anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 22 reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve against terrorism, declaring that the nation will never bow to any form of terror as he paid tribute to the 26 people killed in the brutal Pahalgam attack last year.

Marking the first anniversary of the massacre, Modi said the country stood united in grief and determination.

“As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed,” he said.

Remembering those who lost their lives, the Prime Minister said the victims of the gruesome attack would never be forgotten.

“Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss,” he posted on X.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to the victims, saying India would respond with “strength and clarity” to any attempt to harm its citizens.

“Remembering and paying my heartfelt tributes to the innocent people who lost their lives in the cowardly terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025. We share the enduring pain of their loved ones and families. We will never forget those wounds inflicted on our nation,” he said.

He added that after enduring decades of cross-border terrorism, India’s response today was “firm, decisive and unwavering”.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described terrorism as humanity’s greatest enemy and reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy.

“Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat. India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it,” Shah said.

One of Kashmir’s deadliest civilian attacks

The Pahalgam terror strike on April 22 last year was among the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.

Armed militants opened fire at the popular tourist destination of Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people — most of them tourists — and injuring several others.

The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and drew condemnation from governments across the world.

Investigators later pointed to the involvement of Pakistan-linked terror networks, with authorities tracing operational support beyond India’s borders.

Operation Sindoor

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of 6–7 May last year as what officials described as a calibrated military response.

Under the operation, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Officials said the mission was measured and decisive, aimed solely at dismantling terrorist infrastructure used to plan attacks against India while avoiding unnecessary escalation.