PM says India won’t bow to terror; Shah calls terror humanity’s enemy
Jammu Tawi, Apr 22: Leaders across the country on Wednesday paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary and expressed solidarity with their families, reiterating India’s firm resolve against terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the victims as “never to be forgotten,” describing the April 22, 2025 attack as a tragedy that continues to weigh on the nation’s conscience. In a post on X, he said the country stands united in grief and determination, asserting that India will never bow to terror and that the designs of terrorists will never succeed.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute, calling the attack a “cowardly” act that claimed innocent lives. He said the nation shares the pain of the bereaved families and emphasized that India’s response to cross-border terrorism has become “firm, decisive and unwavering.” He added that any attempt to harm citizens or disrupt national unity will be met with strength and clarity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed terrorism the “greatest enemy of humanity” and stressed the need for a united global fight against it. Remembering the victims, he said the grief of the families continues to resonate across the nation. He reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who support it.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep condolences to the families, stating that the tragic loss of innocent lives remains etched in the nation’s collective memory. She affirmed that such acts cannot weaken India’s commitment to peace and unity, and the country remains resolute in defeating terrorism in all its forms.
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan also reaffirmed the nation’s determination to combat terrorism, marking one year since the attack that claimed 26 lives.
Leaders from the opposition joined in paying tributes. Rahul Gandhi said the country would never forgive those responsible, adding that the grief of the victims’ families is shared by all Indians. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the nation remains united, resilient, and determined in its fight against terrorism. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the attack as a “crime against humanity,” asserting that India will neither forget nor forgive the perpetrators.
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, had triggered nationwide outrage. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, underlining its commitment to counter terrorism decisively.
