Pakistan Targeted Kashmiriyat, Humanity in Pahalgam Attack: PM Modi

KATRA:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed Pakistan over the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling it an assault on insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat (the cultural ethos of Kashmir).

Speaking at an event in Katra, Modi said, “Pakistan attacked both humanity and the soul of Kashmir in Pahalgam. The motive was to spark riots in India and crush the livelihoods of hardworking Kashmiris. That is why tourists were targeted.”

The Prime Minister praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for rising above fear and confronting the terror threat with unity. “The courage shown by the people has sent a strong message not only to Pakistan but to the entire world that terrorism will not win,” he said.

Highlighting the growing resolve among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi added, “This is the same terrorism that once burned down schools, destroyed hospitals, and devastated generations. But today, our youth are determined to respond with strength.”

The terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, claimed the lives of 26 people—mostly men who were travelling with their families. The assault escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting precise strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). At least 100 terrorists were eliminated in the early morning assault.

A wave of intense cross-border military action followed, with fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery duels marking the escalation. On the night of May 9-10, the Indian Air Force struck 13 Pakistani air bases and military targets.

The hostilities ceased on May 10, after both nations reached an understanding to halt further military operations.