In the aftermath of the horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 28 lives, mostly tourists, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern message of resolve, declaring that India will deliver a “loud and clear” response to both the attackers and their handlers.
Reacting to the incident, Singh said, “We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones... I want to repeat India's resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism... I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step.”
Raising the stakes, the Defence Minister warned of retaliation: “We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes... The terrorists will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country.”
The attack took place on Tuesday evening in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. According to officials, gunmen opened fire at a group of tourists and bystanders, killing 28 and injuring several others. The Resistance Front, a proxy group of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who rushed to Srinagar on Tuesday night, met with the families of the victims and survivors. Shah is also scheduled to review the security arrangements in the region amid rising concerns over the safety of tourists and residents.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived in Pahalgam on Wednesday to assist Jammu and Kashmir Police with the investigation. Security agencies have released sketches of three suspects believed to be directly involved in the attack and have launched a massive manhunt.
In a gesture of support, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of those killed, ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
