New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a free hand to the Indian Army and other armed forces, granting them “complete operational freedom” to determine how India will respond to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists. During a high-level military meeting on Tuesday at his New Delhi residence, PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army and also emphasized that the military leadership has full authority to decide “the mode, targets, and timing” of India’s retaliatory response.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, represents one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Kashmir in recent years, sending shockwaves through the nation and prompting swift diplomatic actions against Pakistan, which India has implicated in the violence.
Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack Video: Chilling Moments Before Deadly Assault of 27 Tourists
“It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism,” Modi reportedly stated during the meeting, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The Prime Minister also expressed “complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces” as he gives free hand to the Indian Army to execute an appropriate response to the terror attack.
Strategic Meeting Where PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
The high-level consultation at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg included top defense officials and security advisors, highlighting the government’s serious approach to addressing the terrorist incident. In attendance were:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi
- IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
- Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
This gathering represents a unified military front as PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army to contemplate comprehensive options following the attack that has strained already tense relations with neighboring Pakistan.
Second CCS Meeting Called After PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has been scheduled for Wednesday, marking the second such meeting since the terrorist incident. The CCS, which includes the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, and External Affairs Minister, will likely finalize details after PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army for a comprehensive response.
The first CCS meeting, held on April 23, just one day after the attack, resulted in several immediate actions:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Downgrading of diplomatic relations with Pakistan
- Reduction of Pakistan’s mission strength by half
- Expulsion of diplomats and top defense officials from the Pakistan High Commission
- Cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals
- Closure of the Attari-Wagah border
- Withdrawal of Indian advisors and staff from its mission in Islamabad
These measures underline India’s assertion of “cross-border linkages” to the terrorist attack and represent the first phase of India’s response before PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army for military action.
Strong Warning Issued After PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
Following the deadly attack, Prime Minister Modi issued a stern warning that resonated throughout the international community. “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers,” he declared, adding that the nation would “pursue them to the ends of the earth.” This forceful statement indicates the seriousness with which India views the incident and the determination behind why PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army for a decisive response.
An all-party meeting held after the attack demonstrated rare political unity, with leaders across the political spectrum pledging their support for whatever action the government deems necessary, including the decision that PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army for retaliatory measures.
Additional Security Meetings Following Decision as PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
In a parallel development on Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a meeting with heads of three paramilitary forces and senior officers from two other security organizations to discuss security measures. The gathering included:
- Director General of Border Security Force Daljit Singh Chaudhary
- Director General of National Security Guard Brighu Srinivasan
- Director General of the Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera
- Additional Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal Anupama Nilekar Chandra
This meeting suggests that India is bolstering its internal security framework while PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army for potential external actions in response to the terrorist incident.
Impact and Implications After PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
The terrorist attack has created significant implications for regional stability and Indo-Pakistan relations. With 26 civilians killed, primarily tourists visiting the scenic Kashmir valley, the attack has not only caused human tragedy but also threatens tourism in the region, which had been showing signs of recovery after years of instability.
Security experts suggest that the attack might have been designed to disrupt the normalcy that was slowly returning to the Kashmir Valley, making it necessary that PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army to ensure appropriate deterrence against future attacks.
National Unity as PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army
The terrorist incident has united the nation in grief and resolve. Political parties that are typically at odds have come together to support the government’s response, including the decision that PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army. This national unity highlights the collective outrage felt across India and the shared determination to ensure such incidents do not recur.
As India prepares its response following PM Modi’s decision to give free hand to the Indian Army, the coming days will be crucial in determining the nature and scope of its actions. Military planners are likely evaluating various options that balance the need for a firm response with strategic prudence.
The international community is closely watching developments after PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army, with many nations having already condemned the terrorist incident and expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
Final Word
The Pahalgam terror attack represents a significant challenge for India’s security establishment and a test of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in crisis. By giving free hand to the Indian Army and other armed forces with complete operational freedom, Modi has signaled his trust in military expertise while also demonstrating his government’s resolve to respond forcefully to terrorism.
As India formulates its comprehensive response after PM Modi gives free hand to the Indian Army, the nation remains united in its determination to combat terrorism and protect its citizens. This decisive leadership approach underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward acts of terror that threaten India’s sovereignty and security.
