India's response to Pahalgam shocker: PM Modi gives complete operational freedom to armed forces

The meeting is underway at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

In a big development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressing complete faith in the capability of the armed forces announced complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of New Delhi's response to Pahalgam terror strike.

Meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of three services at his residence in 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, PM affirmed that it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

Earlier today, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by chiefs of three paramilitary forces and senior officers of two other security organisations. The meeting was held amid the charged atmosphere following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out raids at 13 locations in the Doda district to bust terrorist hideouts and take action against individuals linked to terror activities. The Srinagar Police conducted extensive searches at multiple locations across the city at the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfits in furtherance of an investigation into cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to a police release, the Srinagar Police conducted searches at the residences of 63 individuals. The searches were conducted in accordance with proper legal procedures in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses under the supervision of the officers of J&K Police.

The searches were carried out to seize weapons, documents, digital devices, etc., with the objective of evidence collection and intelligence gathering to detect and deter any conspiratorial or terrorist activity against the security of the Nation.