PM Modi's strong stance: Armed forces get full operational freedom for Pahalgam retaliation

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces complete freedom to respond to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people. Emphasising his full confidence in the military’s capabilities, the Prime Minister stated that the armed forces have full operational freedom to decide the timing, method and targets of the retaliation. The decision was announced during a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan. This crucial meeting came ahead of a session of the Cabinet Committee on Security, scheduled for Wednesday. Top military commanders also took part in the discussions.

Following the attack, India confirmed Pakistan's involvement in the incident. Prime Minister Modi asserted that the perpetrators and their supporters would face appropriate punishment. Within a week of the attack, multiple high-level meetings and consultations have taken place. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chief of Defence Staff had also held separate meetings earlier.

In light of the developments, the Pakistan military has reportedly alerted its government to the possibility of an Indian strike in retaliation.

India has already responded firmly in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Measures included the closure of the Wagah-Attari border and steps toward withdrawing from the Indus Waters Treaty. Fearing a strong Indian response, Pakistan has reportedly begun bolstering its military preparedness.

India has identified Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terror outfit operating with Pakistani backing, as responsible for the Pahalgam attack. However, Pakistan has denied any involvement, calling for an independent investigation into the incident.