Harshest punishment for perpetrators of Pahalgam massacre, says Modi

Reiterating his hardline stance against Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism on Indian soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that the conspirators and perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack—the deadliest since 2019—would face the harshest response.

His remarks come as Pakistan faces growing global isolation following the terror strike, while international support for India continues to surge. In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Modi said world leaders had reached out to him to condemn the attack and express solidarity with India.

“Global leaders have called me, written letters, sent messages. Everyone has strongly condemned this heinous terrorist attack. The entire world stands with the 1.4 billion Indians in our fight against terrorism,” he said.

In the 121st episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi described the April 22 attack as a desperate and cowardly act by those who support terrorism. “The Pahalgam terrorist attack has left every citizen heartbroken. Every Indian feels deep sympathy for the victims’ families. I understand that every citizen is seething with anger after seeing the images,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that national unity was India’s greatest strength in its fight against terrorism. “Today, the world is watching. The whole country is speaking with one voice,” he said, adding that India’s enemies could not tolerate the growing peace, tourism, democracy, and opportunities for youth in the region.

Earlier, in his first reaction to the attack—which claimed 28 lives—Modi had vowed punishment “beyond imagination” for the terrorists and their handlers. Speaking at a rally in Bihar on 24 April, he said, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”

On Sunday morning, Modi also remarked that every Indian’s blood was boiling after the attack.

Tributes to K Kasturirangan

During his address, Modi paid tribute to Dr K Kasturirangan, who passed away two days ago. Describing him as a towering figure in Indian science, he credited Dr Kasturirangan with elevating India’s space programme to new heights and said many of the satellites India uses today were launched under his leadership.

Modi also highlighted Dr Kasturirangan’s crucial role in drafting India’s new National Education Policy and noted that his emphasis on innovation remains a guiding light.

Marking 50 years since the launch of the Aryabhata satellite, Modi reflected on the early struggles of India’s space programme, recalling how scientists transported critical equipment by bullock carts and bicycles. He praised India’s transformation into a global space power, citing achievements such as launching 104 satellites simultaneously, reaching the Moon’s South Pole, and the success of missions like Mars Orbiter and Aditya-L1.

India is now working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and the Mars Lander Mission, he added.

India’s humanitarian efforts abroad

Modi also spoke about Operation Brahma, India’s relief mission to Myanmar following the March earthquake. He praised the Indian teams’ bravery, including the rescue of a 70-year-old woman trapped under debris for 18 hours, and noted the blessings received from Buddhist monks after rescues at a monastery in Mandalay.

He said India’s swift humanitarian response reflected its growing reputation as a Vishwa Mitra (friend of the world).

In another example of Indian generosity, Modi lauded the efforts of NRIs in Ethiopia for helping children with congenital heart diseases receive treatment in India.

Disaster management and science education

On disaster preparedness, Modi encouraged citizens to use the Sachet App, developed by the National Disaster Management Authority, which provides alerts during natural disasters in multiple regional languages.

He also spoke about the Science Centre in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, saying it symbolises a shift from violence to innovation and education, offering local children opportunities to learn about 3D printing, robotics, and more.

Environment and freedom struggles

Highlighting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Modi said more than 140 crore trees had been planted over the past year, with participation even from Indians abroad. He urged listeners to join the movement as it marks its first anniversary on 5 June, World Environment Day.

Turning to India’s freedom struggle, Modi spoke about the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 led by Mahatma Gandhi, calling it a pivotal moment that shook British rule. He encouraged the youth to read Satyagraha in Champaran by Dr Rajendra Prasad, and also recalled the significance of the Dandi March.

Military readiness

Meanwhile, India’s armed forces have indicated their readiness for any eventuality. The Indian Navy shared visuals of BrahMos anti-ship and surface cruise missile firings from warships, demonstrating operational preparedness.

“Indian Navy ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems, and crew for long-range precision offensive strikes,” the Navy posted on X.

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