Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary and expressed solidarity with their families. In a post on X, PM Modi said the victims “will never be forgotten,” describing the April 22, 2025 attack as a tragedy that continues to weigh on the nation’s conscience and asserted that the country will not bow to any form of terror.
“Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss,” he said in a post on X.
“As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed,” the Prime Minister added.
The statement came as families of victims continue to grapple with the loss of their loved ones. On April 22 last year, terrorists gunned down 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam in south Kashmir, triggering nationwide outrage.
In response, India launched a military operation on May 7, targeting and destroying multiple terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.
A few minutes before PM Modi’s post, the Indian Army said on X that for acts against India, the response is “assured,” adding that “justice will be served. Always.”
Earlier, on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Army had issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism, asserting that the response becomes “decisive when boundaries of humanity are crossed.”
The Indian Army posted on X, said, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united,” alongside a symbolic graphic referencing Operation Sindoor.
The victims were reportedly segregated by terrorists on the basis of religion before being shot in front of their families, triggering widespread outrage.
In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
Nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed and over 100 terrorists were eliminated.
Pakistan’s retaliation led to a brief four-day escalation, which ended with a ceasefire on May 10 following Islamabad’s request.
In the aftermath, Indian armed forces launched “Operation Mahadev” and tracked down and eliminated the three attackers involved in the Pahalgam killings.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has also stepped up security in Pahalgam, deploying additional forces and increasing surveillance to ensure a peaceful commemoration, which is expected to be attended by political leaders, civil society members, and families of the victims.
As a tribute to those killed in the attack at Baisaran Valley, a memorial has been erected in Pahalgam. Built of black marble, it bears the names of all 26 victims, 25 tourists and local ponywallah Adil Shah, and stands along the banks of the Lidder river.
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Published By:
Karishma Saurabh Kalita
Published On:
Apr 22, 2026 07:49 IST
