In a powerful and emotionally charged address at Katra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condemned Pakistan for orchestrating the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, calling it an assault on both humanity and Kashmiriyat. He asserted that the motive behind the massacre was to destroy Kashmir’s thriving tourism and trigger communal tensions across India.
“Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. Its intention was to create riots in India and disrupt the livelihoods of the hard-working people of Kashmir. That is why it attacked the tourists,” said PM Modi.
Remembering the Pahalgam Hero
PM Modi paid heartfelt tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator from Pahalgam, who was shot dead by terrorists while trying to save tourists during the attack. Hailing him as a “true hero of the valley,” Modi said Adil embodied the spirit of courage and selflessness that defines modern Kashmir.
आज 6 जून है… संयोग से ठीक एक महीने पहले, आज की ही रात पाकिस्तान के आतंकियों पर कयामत बरसी थी।
अब पाकिस्तान कभी भी #OperationSindoor का नाम सुनेगा तो उसे अपनी शर्मनाक शिकस्त याद आएगी।
– पीएम श्री @narendramodi
पूरा देखें: https://t.co/PQLu4EHVuA pic.twitter.com/kCdeBbMrul
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 6, 2025
“The bravery of Adil Hussain Shah will be remembered by the nation. He gave his life protecting others. That is the real face of Kashmir,” the Prime Minister declared.
Speaking to a large gathering in Katra following the inauguration of major infrastructure projects including the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, Modi praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their unwavering stand against terrorism.
“The way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against Pakistan’s conspiracy has sent a strong message—not only to Pakistan but to terrorism across the world,” Modi said.
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He lauded the transformation of the region’s youth, who he said have shifted from victimhood to valour.
“This is the same terrorism that once burned schools, destroyed hospitals, and ruined entire generations. But today’s youth have made up their minds to give a befitting reply,” he added.
“They Will First Have to Face Modi”
In his boldest statement yet, Modi asserted that development in Jammu and Kashmir will not stop, and warned that any attempts to sabotage peace and progress would face direct resistance.
“Anyone trying to stop the youth from achieving their dreams will first have to face Modi,” he said, triggering applause from the audience.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come just weeks after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror offensive in response to the Pahalgam attack. His visit to Jammu and Kashmir marks the first since the deadly incident and reinforces the government’s commitment to both security and development.
The address also coincided with the launch of India’s first train service directly linking Kashmir to the Indian mainland, a monumental achievement in connectivity, symbolised by the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge.
