Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participating virtually in an event to mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, said the country has sent a strong message through Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Strongly condemning the April 22 attack, the Prime Minister said the act was not merely an assault on Indians, but a direct strike on humanity and brotherhood.
“All you people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism well. Tourism is not just about entertainment, but also a celebration of diversity. But what terrorists did in Pahalgam wasn't just an attack on India, but on humanity and brotherhood,” the Prime Minister said.
“The terrorist snatched away the happiness of many families in India. They also conspired to divide India. But the whole world is seeing how India is more united than ever... We unitedly gave the terrorists a fitting reply through Operation Sindoor. After we destroyed their terrorist hubs, Pakistan, in a fit of rage, attacked our civilians and Army. This exposed Pakistan. By destroying many of their airbases, we showed them how precisely and swiftly India can act,” he added.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack. India carried out precision strikes as part of Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7.
The Prime Minister was initially scheduled to travel to Sikkim for 50th anniversary of its statehood function, however, the visit was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. He addressed the event virtually from Bagdogra in West Bengal.
"I wanted to be part of Sikkim's statehood event in Gangtok, but weather played spoilsport," he said.
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