New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces the final say on the method, objectives and timing of India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Army will now formulate the next plan.
Modi announced the decision at a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi for about five hours. He held talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of the Tripartite Forces CDS General Anil Chauhan.
"The armed forces have complete freedom to decide on the method, targets and timing of our counterattack. It is our national resolve to eradicate terrorism. I have full faith and confidence in the armed forces" Modi said in the meeting.
Shortly after this meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah also went to Prime Minister Modi's residence for discussions. A meeting of the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force and senior officers was held on Tuesday morning under the chairmanship of Home Ministry Secretary Govind Mohan.
What's next?
- The military forces are likely to decide to launch a surgical strike.
- The border will be further strengthened and then a decision may be made to attack.
- A wait-and-see strategy can be adopted to see Pakistan's next move.
Modi's meeting with Mohan Bhagwat
Amid the RSS's demand for strict action against the Pahalgam attackers, the organisation's chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Modi. Bhagwat, who went to the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi on Tuesday, held discussions.
Pakistan minister's X account freeze
Days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif's 'X' account has been blocked in India. Five days after the Pakistani government's official social media accounts were blocked in India, the minister's account has also been blocked. Just on Monday, the central government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and misinformation against India, the country's army and security agencies.
48 tourist spots closed
Amid heightened security concerns following the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, 48 tourist spots in the Valley have been closed. Officials said that entry to 48 out of 87 public parks has been restricted for the safety of tourists.
Pakistan to the ICJ?
Pakistan has decided to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) challenging India's move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. It is reported that Pakistani attorneys are preparing documents for this. Meanwhile, Indian officials have responded to this and have clarified that even if Pakistan goes before any global organization, it will not have much impact on India, and the rulings of global organizations will not apply to this agreement to a large extent.
Zipline operator inquiry
The fact that the zipline operator said 'Allahu Akbar' three times as the sound of gunfire was heard during the Pahalgam attack has raised many suspicions. In this context, the NIA team has taken the zipline operator Muzamil into custody and is interrogating him. NIA sources said that zipline operator Muzamil's 'Allahu Akbar' chant may have been a natural reaction to the shocking incident.
