'Won't even spare those who worked behind the scenes': Rajnath Singh's stern warning after Pahalgam attack

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said  India has a policy of "zero tolerance towards terrorism".

"We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones... I want to repeat India's resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism... I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes... The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country," said Singh.

#WATCH | #PahalgamTerrorAttack | Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh says, "We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones... I want to repeat India's resolve against pic.twitter.com/OhuX8rkghy

ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

The dastardly terror attack killed 26 Indian and foreign tourists. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities released the names of all the 26 victims, including an excise inspector from Bihar, US-based Kolkata techie, Nepalese national and Navy officer, who lost their lives in the devastating terror attack.

The incident took place at Baisaran, often referred to as "mini Switzerland" for its  panoramic views. The site is especially popular during the spring and summer months.

On Tuesday, PM Modi “strongly” condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and extended his condolences to those who lost their family members. “I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

PM Modi departed from Jeddah late on Tuesday night, ahead of his originally scheduled return on Wednesday night. According to reports, the Prime Minister also skipped an official dinner hosted by Saudi officials.