New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces complete operational freedom to determine the nature, targets and timing of India’s response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead.
The decision came during a high-level security meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence on 29 April, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Reports stated that PM Modi conveyed full faith in the professional capabilities of the armed forces, affirming that it is India’s national resolve to deliver a decisive blow to terrorism.
Apparently, this strategic huddle comes ahead of a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, expected to further deliberate on India’s response to Pakistan, believed to be behind the attack.
In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, the Indian government had already initiated a series of diplomatic actions against Pakistan, including suspending visas for Pakistani nationals and halting provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.
The latest discussions further suggest that military options are now on the table.
Meanwhile, intelligence-based counterterror operations continued in the Kashmir Valley, even as unprovoked ceasefire violations were reported along the Line of Control (LoC) for the fifth consecutive night.
The Indian Army confirmed that during the night of 28 to 29 April, Pakistani forces resorted to small arms firing in sectors opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor. The Indian side responded in a “measured and effective” manner.
On the same day, Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a separate security review meeting attended by heads of the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, National Security Guard, and senior officials from the Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force.
Though details of the meeting were not officially released, reports stated that indicated that security forces were asked to maintain the highest level of alert along India’s borders.
The firm stance of the top government levels underscores a clear message–a calibrated but potentially forceful response to terrorism is being actively considered.
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