Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the recent terror attacks on Indian soil can no longer be seen as mere proxy wars but must be recognised as part of Pakistan’s state-sponsored and deliberate war strategy.
Addressing a massive public gathering at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, where he inaugurated development projects worth ₹5,536 crore as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of Gujarat’s Urban Growth Story, PM Modi recalled the horrors of Partition and criticised decades of inaction.
“In 1947, when Maa Bharati was divided, the chains of colonialism should have been broken. But instead, the country was split into three parts. That very night, the first terror attack occurred in Kashmir. One part of our motherland—PoK—was taken away in the name of terrorism. If only the terrorists had been eliminated that very day… Sardar Patel had wished the army would not stop until PoK was taken back, but no one listened,” he said.
Calling out Pakistan’s alleged long-standing support for terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “Some terrorists designated by the United States have been accorded state funerals and military salutes in Pakistan. This is clear evidence of that country’s direct involvement. This is not just proxy war anymore—it is a well-orchestrated war strategy.”
PM Modi also spoke of India’s past restraint, “These terrorists, who had tasted blood, continued their acts for the last 75 years. Pahalgam was one such brutal instance. We’ve tolerated this for decades. But every time we went to war with Pakistan, our armed forces responded strongly and defeated them. Realising it couldn’t win a conventional war, Pakistan turned to a strategy of proxy warfare.”
“Trained terrorists were sent to target unarmed citizens—pilgrims, tourists, those in buses, hotels, or at religious sites. We tolerated it for long. But tell me, should we still tolerate it? Or should we answer bullets with bombs? Should terrorism not be uprooted from its roots?” PM added.
Reaffirming India’s peaceful ethos, he said, “India has always believed in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. We want peace for our neighbours as well. But when provoked, one must not forget this is also the land of heroes.”
The Prime Minister said that the events following Operation Sindoor had fundamentally altered the narrative.
“Until now, we called it proxy war. But what we saw after May 6 changed everything. Nine terror hideouts were identified and destroyed in just 22 minutes. That sent a decisive message,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he remarked, “This time, everything was done in front of the cameras—so that no one back home would ask for proof. The other side is now providing the proof themselves.”
He alleged that the terrorists neutralised after May 6 were given state honours in Pakistan.
“Their coffins were draped in Pakistan’s flag and given military salutes. This shows that the attacks weren’t covert—they were part of a state-sponsored war strategy. You are already at war, and you will be responded to accordingly,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also accused Pakistan of fuelling violence while India focused on development.
“We were busy working, progressing, and striving for the welfare of all. In return, rivers of blood were shed.”
He criticised the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty as an example of past compromises.
“The new generation must understand how this country was harmed. If you study the Indus Waters Treaty closely, you’ll be shocked. It was decided that the dams built on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir wouldn’t be desilted. Bottom gates for sediment clearance were to remain shut. For six decades, those gates were never opened. Reservoirs meant to fill up to 100% are now operating at just 2–3% capacity. Don’t my fellow citizens have the right to water?” he asked.
“We haven’t done anything drastic—we’ve only kept the treaty in abeyance. The other side got nervous. We slightly opened the gates and began desilting. Even that caused flooding on their side,” he added.
“We do not seek hostility with anyone. We want to live in peace and move forward. Our goal is to contribute to global welfare—and we are working with dedication to uplift every Indian,” PM Modi concluded.
–IANS