Pahalgam attackers will be hunted down: Rajnath Singh

On Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to those involved in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, promising that India would bring all conspirators to justice.

This attack, which took place on Tuesday, April 22, targeted tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadows in the Anantnag district, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals, including two foreigners, and injuring several others.

The attack, reportedly carried out based on the victims' religious identities, was executed by operatives of The Resistance Front (TRF), a faction linked to the Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Addressing the nation from an event in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh firmly stated, "We will not only reach those who directly executed this heinous incident but also those hidden figures who conspired from behind the scenes to inflict such malevolent acts on Indian soil. We stand united against terror, and India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts. We will take all necessary and appropriate measures."

His comments followed a high-level security meeting he chaired in the wake of the attack. The meeting, which spanned almost two and a half hours, included National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, along with the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Rajnath Singh instructed the armed forces to strengthen their combat readiness and intensify anti-terror operations in the region.

This attack has prompted multiple discussions on enhancing security in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the act, assuring the nation of his unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.

"The terrorists will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and will only grow stronger," PM Modi declared in a post on X.