“Armed Forces Free to Respond to Pahalgam Attack”: PM Modi After High-Level Security Meet

New Delhi: In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level security meeting with top defence and intelligence officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of all three armed forces.

Following the meeting, PM Modi asserted that the armed forces have full freedom to take operational decisions, including the nature of the response, targets, and timing. “The armed forces are free to take operational decisions such as the manner of response, the targets, and the timing,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the nation remains firmly resolved to combat terrorism.

PM Modi also expressed complete confidence in the professional capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces to respond effectively to the threat.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs also convened a separate high-level meeting in the national capital. The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, National Security Guard (NSG), and senior officials from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

The back-to-back meetings come amid heightened security concerns and intense counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Sources told ANI that no operational details are being disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing missions.

In a major crackdown, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 13 locations in Doda district on Monday to dismantle terrorist hideouts and detain suspects with alleged terror links.

Simultaneously, Srinagar Police carried out extensive searches at 63 locations linked to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates of banned terrorist outfits. These operations were conducted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and overseen by Executive Magistrates and senior officers. The objective was to recover weapons, digital devices, and documents as part of evidence collection and intelligence gathering.

Security agencies continue to maintain a heightened state of alert across the region as investigations and counter-terror actions intensify in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.