Will punish Pahalgam terrorists, planners beyond their imagination: PM Modi

'Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth,' Modi said, addressing a public gathering.

Patna: Two days after the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday vowed to identify, track and punish the perpetrators of the ghastly and cowardly act in the Kashmir Valley.

“From the soil of Bihar, I would like to tell the whole world that India will identify, track and punish all the terrorists involved in the gruesome killing of innocent tourists. We will trace and chase them till the end of the earth and even punish all those who were the brains behind this cowardly act,” Modi, in his true characteristic style, roared, as the modest crowd in Bihar’s Madhubani district cheered in approval.

In his first public address after the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said till he was at the helm, terrorism would not go unpunished. “India’s spirit cannot be broken by terrorism.

The entire country is one in fighting terrorism and we will ensure justice is done at the earliest,” Modi briefly shifted speaking in English instead of Hindi with an aim to send the message (on fighting terrorism) across the globe that his Government would punish the terrorist in such a way which will be “beyond someone’s imagination.”

“I would also like to thank the leaders of all the countries who have stood by me in this difficult hour. All those who believe in humanity are with me. I assure you that those who attacked the soul of India will get exemplary punishment,” said Modi, who was in Bihar to attend a Panchayati Raj function, besides inaugurating new railway lines and train connectivity.

Nitish's praise

Aware of the fact that Bihar will have Assembly elections later this year, Modi showered praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too. “Nitish was the first person who ensured reservations for women in the Panchayati Raj system. As a consequence, women at thegrassrootss level here are in a decisive role and have ensured further empowerment of their gender,” said the Prime Minister.

Earlier, before his address, Modi urged the gathering to observe silence as a mark of respect for those gunned down in Pahalgam.