In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security review meeting on Tuesday and conveyed a stern message: the armed forces have “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of response.”
PM Modi said that it is India’s “national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.”
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The conversation focused on operational readiness and strategic options available to the Indian military in response to both the Pahalgam killings and recent ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC).
On Monday, Defence Minister Singh had separately briefed the Prime Minister following his own security consultations with CDS General Chauhan. The back-to-back meetings signal the urgency with which the government is treating the incident, which has not only reignited national outrage but also drawn sharp criticism over security lapses.
The April 22 attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam — often referred to as “Mini Switzerland” — was one of the deadliest on civilians in the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. It has triggered widespread mourning and a rare shutdown called in protest against killings.
