Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a bold and unequivocal message to the perpetrators of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, as well as their supporters. Speaking at a public rally, PM Modi declared that the “time has come to reduce them to dust” — a phrase that quickly captured national attention and emphasized his government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism.

The Pahalgam attack, which took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, left the nation in mourning after militants opened fire on unarmed tourists, killing over two dozen people. The majority of victims were from West Bengal and Bihar, deepening the emotional impact of the tragedy in the heartland states. As public outrage intensified, the Prime Minister’s speech in Bihar became a defining moment in the government’s response to the attack.

In Hindi, Modi said, “Jo log desh ke viruddh hain, jo log atank ka samarthan karte hain, unhein mitti mein milaane ka samay aa gaya hai”, which translates to: “Those who are against the nation, those who support terrorism — the time has come to reduce them to dust.” This was not just a condemnation but a firm commitment to bringing the assailants and their enablers to justice.

The Prime Minister’s speech carried a deeper political and strategic undertone. Delivered in a region heavily populated by migrant workers — many of whom travel to Jammu and Kashmir for seasonal labor or tourism — the speech was a direct appeal to those grieving the loss of family members and fellow citizens. Modi paid homage to the victims and assured the crowd that the government stands firmly with their families and will not allow their deaths to go unanswered.

Referring to the attackers and those giving them ideological or logistical support, Modi made it clear that there will be no place to hide. His address sent a strong message not only domestically but also internationally, signaling that India will take every necessary measure to dismantle terrorist networks and punish those involved, directly or indirectly.

Security agencies have already intensified their efforts in the Kashmir Valley. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been deployed to probe deeper into the origins of the attack, and several suspects have reportedly been identified. There is also mounting pressure on Pakistan, as intelligence inputs suggest the involvement of terror outfits based across the border, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front.

The Prime Minister’s tone also reflected frustration with global silence on state-sponsored terrorism. While he did not name any country, Modi emphasized that those who harbor or back such terrorists must also be held accountable. The message was seen as an indirect yet powerful critique of Pakistan’s role in providing safe havens for militant groups.

Back home, the impact of the Pahalgam attack is already being felt in the tourism sector. Tour operators in cities like Kolkata and Patna have reported mass cancellations for trips to Kashmir, with families too shaken to continue with their travel plans. The fear is palpable, but so is the call for justice.

PM Modi’s speech in Bihar was more than a reaction; it was a rallying cry against terrorism and those who enable it. His words resonated deeply with a grieving nation, promising justice and retribution. By declaring that the time has come to “reduce them to dust,” Modi has made it clear that India will not rest until the masterminds and supporters of the Pahalgam attack are eliminated, reaffirming his government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.