PM Modi: “We Gave a Free Hand to the Army to Bury the Terrorists”-First Statement on India-Pakistan Military Conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public address since the escalation of military conflict with Pakistan, delivered a strong and unambiguous message to the nation on Monday evening. Modi confirmed that India’s armed forces were given a “free hand” to strike at terrorist hideouts and training centres inside Pakistan, marking a new era in India’s response to cross-border terrorism.

Key Highlights
Free Hand to Armed Forces:
PM Modi stated, “We gave a free hand to the Indian Army to bury the terrorists.” He emphasized that the armed forces were empowered to determine the scale, scope, and timing of the response, reflecting a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy.

Precision Strikes on Terror Hideouts:
Modi confirmed that Indian military operations, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeted multiple terrorist bases and training centres in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives last month.
“India’s military struck hideouts, training centres of terrorists in Pakistan,” Modi declared, underscoring the focus on eliminating terror infrastructure while avoiding civilian and military targets.

New Normal in Counter-Terrorism:
Government sources highlighted that Operation Sindoor represents a “new normal” in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism. Modi’s directive-“Wahan se goli chalegi, yahan se gola chalega” (if bullets are fired from there, artillery will answer from here)-signals that India will respond forcefully to any future provocations.

Operation Sindoor Outcomes:
The strikes, monitored personally by PM Modi throughout the night, hit nine terror sites across Pakistan and PoK, including strongholds of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur. The Defence Ministry described the action as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” deliberately avoiding Pakistani military facilities.

Ceasefire and Continued Vigilance:
Modi’s address came just hours after a ceasefire agreement was reached, though tensions remain high following subsequent violations by Pakistan. The Prime Minister reiterated that India’s military remains fully operational and vigilant, ready to respond to any further threats.

Political and Strategic Goals:
Modi linked India’s response to broader strategic objectives, including a potential review of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, making it clear that cooperation on other issues cannot continue while terrorism persists.

Gratitude to Armed Forces and Diplomats:
Modi expressed deep gratitude to the armed forces for their bravery and professionalism, and to India’s diplomatic corps for securing international support and facilitating de-escalation.

“We salute the courage of our soldiers and the tireless efforts of our diplomats. India stands united, resolute, and uncompromising in its fight against terrorism,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi’s address marks a defining moment in India’s security doctrine, setting a precedent for robust, uncompromising action against terrorism and sending a clear message to adversaries and the international community alike.

Source: India Today, NDTV, Times of India, Firstpost