Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack Will Face Toughest Punishment: Modi

New Delhi: Noting the anger among Indians over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured the nation that the “perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response”. In a message to the family members of the victims, Modi, through his monthly radio show "Mann ki Baat", said “unhe nyay milega, nyay mil kar rahega (they will get justice, and justice will be done).” He also asserted that in the war against terrorism, “the unity of the country, the solidarity of 140-crore Indians, is our biggest strength.”

“The terrorist incident that took place in Pahalgam on April 22 has hurt every citizen of the country. Every Indian holds deep sympathies for the affected families. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, one is feeling the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this attack… I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack,” said the Prime Minister.

Modi said the attack in the famous tourist town in Kashmir reflected the desperation and cowardice of the patrons of terrorism, a reference to Pakistan, at a time when peace was returning to the Valley and there was vibrancy in its schools and colleges. He pointed out that construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people's income was increasing and new opportunities were being created for the youth.

“In this war against terrorism, the unity of the country, the solidarity of 140-crore Indians, is our biggest strength. This unity is the basis of our decisive fight against terrorism. We have to strengthen our resolve to face this challenge that has surfaced before the country. We have to demonstrate strong willpower as a nation. Today the world is watching, after this terrorist attack, the whole country is speaking in one voice,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister further said that it’s not just Indians, the “anger is there in the whole world” and spoke about how global leaders have been calling him to offer condolences and condemn the heinous terrorist attack.

“The whole world stands with 140-crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice and justice will be done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response,” said the PM.

Terrorists had gunned down at least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam on April 22, sparking nation-wide outrage and demand for a befitting response from the government, especially against Pakistan which has a history of training and arming terrorists and sending them across the border.

During his monthly radio address, the Prime Minister also spoke about former Isro chief K. Kasturirangan who passed away earlier this week. Modi said K. Kasturirangan’s contribution in “lending newer heights to science, education and India's space programme shall always be remembered.” He said the Isro attained a new identity under his leadership and the space programs that moved forward under his guidance gave global recognition to India's efforts.

Modi also said that India has become a global space power and is leading the most cost effective but successful space programme in the world. He also mentioned several space missions and how youth are attaining new milestones in the field of space startups.

The Prime Minister also spoke about how India reaches out to countries, affected by natural disasters and distress like the recent earthquake in Myanmar. He also informed about how India sent a large quantity of vaccines to Afghanistan recently and on Nepal's request India sent a large consignment of medicines and vaccines against thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

During the Mann ki Baat address, Modi also informed about an app "SACHET" which can save one from getting trapped in any natural disaster. The app has been developed by India's national disaster management authority.