India Won’t Bow To Terror: Prez, PM Reaffirm – Kashmir Observer
Srinagar- President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the nation in paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that India remains resolute and will not bow to terrorism.
Marking the first anniversary of the attack, the President said the loss of innocent lives remains etched in the country's collective memory. She expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said such acts cannot deter India's commitment to peace and unity. "We remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism everywhere in all its forms," she said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi also remembered the victims, saying they would never be forgotten. Extending his thoughts to the families, he said the nation stands united in grief and resolve. "India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed," he said.
Rajnath Singh calls attack cowardly
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the victims, describing it as a "cowardly" act that claimed innocent lives.
In a post on social media, he said: "Remembering and paying my heartfelt tributes to the innocent people who lost their lives in the cowardly terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025. We share the enduring pain of their loved ones and families. We will never forget those wounds inflicted on our nation."
Singh added that India has faced decades of cross-border terrorism, but its response has now become "firm, decisive and unwavering".
He said the country's actions have demonstrated that any attempt to harm citizens or disrupt national unity will be met with "strength and clarity".
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday remembered those killed in the attack, and said India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.
In a message posted on X, the home minister said,"The grief and pain of losing our people still remain in the heart of every Indian".
"Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat. India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it," he said.
On April 22 last year, terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a deadly attack in Pahalgam, killing 26 people, mostly tourists from across the country.
The perpetrators were later tracked down and eliminated in a July 28 encounter, codenamed Operation Mahadev, in the Dachigam-Harwan forest belt on the outskirts of Srinagar.
In response to the attack, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation targeted multiple sites, including headquarters and training centres linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
A year on, the anniversary was marked by remembrance and a reaffirmation of resolve, with the country's top leadership underlining a continued, uncompromising stance against terrorism.
Won't Forget, Won't Forgive: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that India stands united against terrorism and remains committed to its eradication from the region.
Marking the first anniversary of the attack, Sinha said the nation will neither forget nor forgive the act, calling it a solemn vow. "We will not forget. We will not forgive. This is our solemn vow. India stands unified against terrorism. We pledge unwavering commitment and resolute determination to eradicate terrorism from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir," he said in a message.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the victims, saying their memory continues to endure. "Humble tributes to the innocent souls who lost their lives in the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam on this day in 2025. Their memory endures indelibly in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with their families," he added.
Committed To Ensure It Never Happens Again: CM
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the people of the Union Territory remain united against terrorism and resolute in ensuring that incidents like the Pahalgam attack are never repeated.
Marking the first anniversary of the attack, Omar said the day continues to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while reaffirming a collective commitment to peace and security. "One year on, we remain united against terror and violence. We remain resolute in our desire to rid J&K of suffering and innocent deaths. We remain committed to doing everything to ensure it never happens again," he said in a post on X.
He also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, saying their loss continues to be felt. "We remain in eternal solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in that cowardly attack. May the souls of the victims rest in peace," he added.
On April 22 last year, terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a deadly attack in Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local pony-ride operator.
The chief minister said preventing a repeat of such a tragedy remains a top priority, stressing the need for coordinated efforts between the elected government, the Centre and law enforcement agencies. "We must do everything possible to ensure such incidents never happen again," he said.
Responding to a question on Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Omar said such assessments are best left to those with access to intelligence inputs. However, he asserted that all possible measures would be taken to prevent any such attempts. "Even if such intentions exist, we will not allow them to succeed," he said.
Referring to the broader impact of the attack, Omar said it continues to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly due to its effect on tourism. While acknowledging some impact compared to last year, he expressed optimism about the current season.
"We expect a good number of visitors to come to Jammu and Kashmir, whether for Vaishno Devi, the Amarnath Yatra or general tourism," he said, urging pilgrims to participate in the upcoming annual yatra.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, and will be conducted via both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
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