Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned Pakistan for orchestrating the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, characterizing it as an assault on "Kashmiriyat" and "Insaniyat." Addressing a public rally in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, Modi accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting tourists with the intent to incite communal violence within India and cripple the livelihoods of Kashmiris dependent on the tourism sector.
Modi asserted that Pakistan's actions aimed to undermine the economic prosperity and social harmony of the region. He highlighted that tourism serves as a vital source of income and a bridge connecting people, but Pakistan, as an "enemy of humanity," sought to disrupt this progress. The Prime Minister emphasized that the April 22 attack was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the flourishing tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed record-high visitor numbers in recent years.
The Prime Minister stated that the malicious intent behind the attack directly impacted local workers, including horse riders, porters, guides, guesthouse owners, and shopkeepers, all of whom rely on tourism for their earnings. Modi pledged that his government would protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that terrorism would not succeed in halting the region's progress.
Modi also recalled India's response to the Pahalgam attack, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," stating that it served a "humiliating defeat" to Pakistan. He claimed that Pakistan's military and terror networks did not anticipate India's bold move, which resulted in the destruction of terror infrastructure.
The Prime Minister lauded the courage and resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, for choosing progress over fear. He mentioned Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator killed while saving tourists during the Pahalgam attack, as a symbol of Kashmiri bravery. He added that the bravery shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir has sent a strong message to the mentality of terrorists around the world.
Modi's statements came after inaugurating several development projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Chenab bridge (the world's highest railway arch bridge), the Anji bridge (India's first cable-stayed rail bridge), and the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar. He described the rail link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country as a "historic accomplishment" that would boost tourism, trade, and bring comfort to the daily lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Modi announced financial assistance for families affected by Pakistani shelling, with ₹2 lakh for severely damaged houses and ₹1 lakh for partially damaged homes, in addition to previously provided support. He affirmed his government's commitment to standing by the affected families, ensuring continued relief, and helping them rebuild their homes and lives.
Modi's speech underscored the Indian government's stance on cross-border terrorism and its commitment to the development and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir. He also stated that anyone trying to derail Jammu and Kashmir's development would have to “face Narendra Modi first".
