New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that any threat to India or its citizens would be answered with “strength and clarity.”
In a post on X, Singh said, “Remembering and paying my heartfelt tributes to the innocent people who lost their lives in the cowardly terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. We share the enduring pain of their loved ones and families. We will never forget those wounds inflicted on our nation.”
“India has endured decades of cross-border terror, but today our response is firm, decisive and unwavering. Through determined action, we have demonstrated that any attempt to harm our people or disrupt our unity will be met with strength and clarity,” he added.
Also marking the occasion, Narendra Modi remembered the victims and reiterated that India will never bow to terrorism.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.”
“As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed,” the Prime Minister added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, ” On this day, we solemnly remember the innocent lives we lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack last year. The grief and pain of losing our people still remain in the heart of every Indian. Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat. India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.”
Commemorating the anniversary, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) of the Indian Army also issued a message on X, “For acts against India, the response is assured. Justice will be served. Always,” alongside a graphic reading “Operation Sindoor continues”.
The Indian Army also reiterated its warning that any act against the nation would invite decisive retaliation.
In a post on X, the Army said, “For acts against India, the response is assured. Justice will be served. Always.”
The attack, carried out on April 22, 2025, by The Resistance Front—an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba—involved terrorists targeting tourists after identifying their religion, making it one of the most brutal recent attacks on civilians.
A total of 26 people were killed, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator who tried to protect them.
In response, Indian armed forces launched multiple operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Immediately after the April 22 attack, Operation Mahadev was initiated, involving extensive searches across difficult Himalayan terrain near Dachigam and the Mahadev Ridge.
For 93 days, forces scanned more than 300 square kilometres of treacherous terrain before successfully neutralising the three main attackers.
Subsequently, on the intervening night of May 6–7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The strikes eliminated over 100 terrorists, including trainers, handlers, and operatives linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The operation aimed to inflict maximum damage on terrorist infrastructure while minimising civilian casualties
Following these strikes, tensions escalated as Pakistan responded with drone incursions and shelling targeting civilian and religious sites.
India carried out retaliatory actions, including strikes on radar installations in Lahore and facilities near Gujranwala.
After sustaining damage, Pakistan sought de-escalation, leading to a ceasefire understanding between the two sides on May 10, 2025.
Despite the ceasefire, attempts involving drones and UAVs continued, but were intercepted by Indian forces, with field commanders authorised to respond decisively to any violations.
Overall, Operation Sindoor marked a significant demonstration of India’s military and strategic capabilities, combining calibrated force with restraint while reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.
(DD News)