April 24, 2025 | New Delhi
The PM claims he will go to the Ends of the Earth to annihilate ‘terrorists’ after they plunder another military convoy, this time in Kashmir.
In yet another highly charged and politically motivated speech following a brutal terror attack in Northern India, Modi vowed’ to punish’ the republics’ ‘enemy number one’ after militants attacked an army convoy, resulting in the deaths of nine soldiers and injuring a further eighteen.
During a speech in the Red Fort of New Delhi on Thursday morning, the PM claimed he will hunt ‘terrorists’ to the ends of the earth, promising India will not rest until everyone is put behind bars, bringing vengeance to what he expressed as ‘India’s suffering’.
The Poonch attack further aggravates tensions within India, whilst drawing a chorus of condemnation from local politicians as well as others from the international arena.
The Assault: Operational Encirclement
As the Indian army states, the assault was executed by a cell of seasoned and professional militants that employed an array of IEDs and opened fire on an army truck, which was on patrol. The attackers retreated into the adjacent forested hills, where they were able to blend into the tough geography.
Security forces conducted extensive targeted searches immediately following the event with the help of dogs, drones, and special forces. Helicopters circled the heavily forested regions looking for any signs of activity.
“The merciless attack will not go unanswered,” said Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande. “In retaining operational continuity, we will respond with the participation of every resource that remains at hand.”
India’s Response to Terrorism
Since assuming office, the Prime Minister has taken offense toward terrorism and used the opportunity to motivate his constituents after stating his government’s hardline position against terrorism. During that time, he claimed, “terror elements sponsored from beyond the borderline” were trying to disrupt the peace of the area.
“Every drop of blood of our soldiers augments and sustains our strength. Our forces are going to respond with execution, and the country is going to back them,” said Modi.
He also suggested strengthening counter-terrorism measures for India, likely involving shifting the policy in Kashmir and active efforts further afield.
Political Responses and National Unity
All political leaders expressed concern and shock. Congress party’s Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We are with our soldiers and their kin. This country must destroy terrorism, and no political divisions ought to impede national interest.”
Rajnath Singh, the defense minister, went to the families of the dead soldiers and vowed full assistance from the government. “They will pay their sacrifices and not in vain,” he told the bereaved family members.
Citizens in various Indian cities lit candles and attended marches with slogans such as #JusticeForOurSoldiers and #EndTerror trending online.
Pakistan Disclaims Responsibility
As predicted, the incident will escalate the already-strained India-Pakistan relations. India accuses Pakistan of harboring and aiding militant groups focused on Kashmir, while Islamabad has denied all allegations regarding the recent incident.
In a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was noted that “India’s aggressive stance has incited issues that needlessly place hostility as a focal point. We reiterate our position on the matter. We firmly stand with peace in the region and dialogue instead of provocation.”
However, users from the Indian side have placed their intelligence on intercepts indicating the suspected attackers had some coverage from terror proxies that are known to Pakistani affiliates such as JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) and LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba).
Kashmir Alert Level: Critical
Military-grade lockdowns have been enacted in multiple regions of Poonch and Rajouri in sync with the areas of South Punjab that share the border areas with Kashmir, while closed public marching facilities have been cleared by the military under extreme restrictions while queued for extra diving coverage along military travel routes.
Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, upon being briefed on the attempt in Kashmir, activated an alert for active time tracking alongside the set geolocation zone. “I’m extremely enraged right now by the elevated presence of anti-state units.” He continued, “The people have no issue with the occupation; he oc struggle against terrorism, they say they can weigh the civil casualties, so that is for and that even if”
Violence is at an all-time high, which is a distressing sign to will heavily impact the region, while the citizens are rather displeased with how modern constructions are creating vibrations throughout the area. Local shopkeepers in Anantnag replied with, “It is exhausting to go through life without having cracked this, in terms of these hurdles.”
Repercussions
Many other countries, such as the United States and France, have come together as one, condemning the attacks done, and taken sides have no choice but to consider India’s spending policies. It is made clear from the US State Department that “The terrorist attacks that occur in Kashmir are not justifiable from every single perspective, it needs adopting appropriate, methodical strategies,” highlighting further brings attention towards Terrorism, and the mountains.
It worries many as the constant emphasis placed on an unsolved issue has raised tensions over the problem between Kashmir and India, leading the Modi government to take more significant moves direction of the precise core issues when examined deeply, which will, as security progresses, further tighten in the region.
The Kashmir issue has given secondary concern over the surgical slice, which, unless decided upon, will affect India.
“Modi’s hand on the wheel as far as giving a quick, sharp military response is concerned, is very likely,” stated Lt. Gen. (Retd) DS Hooda. “The call needs to be made loud and clear – India does not have the appetite for this kind of tolerance any longer.”
There is increasing demand to tighten the noose around Pakistan and increase pressure on the country to curb sponsorship or any form of terror-related activities within its territory.
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The Wider context
This evolving crisis serves as a stark warning of the seven-year-old quasi-peace in Kashmir, which is still notably under contention vis-à-vis two neighbors, both of whom possess a nuclear arsenal. Despite some trust-building steps and back-channel political interventions, the LoC remains volatile.
Some further experts warn that the doomsday ‘attack and retaliation’ loop could derail the ongoing diplomatic momentum and increase the risks for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.
