New Delhi: In the wake of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing, method, and targets of India’s military response, according to senior government sources.
The decision was taken during a high-level security meeting late Tuesday night, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. PM Modi is reported to have reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to eliminate terrorism, expressing complete confidence in the military’s capability to deliver a decisive response.
MASSIVE UPDATE: After PM met NSA, Services Chiefs, CDS.
RSS Chief Bhagwat also met with PM Modi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also at 7LKN to meet PM Modi.Pak’s nightmares coming true. It’s leaders are fearing an “imminent” attack. pic.twitter.com/ZqAbHzQ3Bd
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) April 29, 2025
Shortly after the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence, signaling the gravity of the situation and the government’s united stance.
Prime Minister meets NSA, Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army, Navy & Airforce.
Crucial CCS meet scheduled on Wednesday followed by Union Cabinet meeting. pic.twitter.com/isLV0i925Z— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@JournoAshutosh) April 29, 2025
The Pahalgam massacre — described as the worst civilian attack since Pulwama in 2019 — involved terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The attackers reportedly identified non-Muslim tourists in Baisaran by forcing them to recite Islamic verses and undergo religious profiling before executing them in front of their families.
The incident has ignited nationwide outrage and significantly strained India-Pakistan relations. In swift retaliation, New Delhi has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, sealed the Attari-Wagah border, expelled Pakistani diplomats, downsized high commissions, and issued a 48-hour deadline for all Pakistani visa holders to leave the country.
The government’s strong posture signals a potential escalation in cross-border military engagement, reminiscent of the Balakot air strikes conducted after the 2019 Pulwama attack.
