In a resolute address, marking the one-month anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday sent a stern message to Pakistan, from the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, declaring that Operation Sindoor will keep reminding Pakistan of its “humiliating defeat”.
Addressing an impressive gathering of people in Katra after inaugurating the world’s highest railway arch bridge and flagging off the maiden run of Vande Bharat Express, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the decisive blow delivered by India on the night of May 6, 2025, targeting terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The operation, executed with precision, dismantled decades-old terror infrastructure within minutes, catching Pakistan’s military and terror networks off guard.
PM also condemned Pakistan’s retaliatory actions, which targeted innocent civilians in Jammu, Poonch, and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted the brutality of these attacks, noting that the world witnessed Pakistan’s destruction of homes, bombing of schools and hospitals, and shelling of religious places, including temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. “Pakistan’s frustration led to cowardly attacks on our people,” the PM said, underscoring the nation’s outrage at acts of aggression.
Praising the resilience of Jammu and Kashmir’s people, Modi lauded their courage in facing Pakistan’s onslaught. “Every Indian has seen the bravery of our brothers and sisters in J and K. Their strength is our strength,” he said, reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting affected families. He declared that the entire nation stands in solidarity with those impacted, ensuring comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives.
The PM’s address came in the context of heightened tensions following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which Modi described as a deliberate attempt to sabotage J and K’s flourishing tourism industry and cripple the livelihoods of local workers.
PM Modi accused Pakistan of attacking <insaniyat> and <Kashmiriyat> by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, saying the intent was to trigger communal clashes in India and rob Kashmiri people dependent on tourism of their livelihoods.”Pakistan intended to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings, that’s why Pakistan attacked tourism,” he said.
Tourism was increasing during the last five years in J and K, and tourists were arriving in record numbers, PM Modi said.
“Pakistan wanted to destroy the livelihoods of guides, pony operators, guest house owners, shop owners, and roadside dhaba operators who are dependent on tourism. Adil, who challenged the terrorists, was also there to earn his livelihood,” he said, referring to the pony wala, who was among the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22.
He reiterated that Operation Sindoor was a testament to India’s resolve to combat terrorism and protect its citizens. The operation not only disrupted Pakistan’s terror networks but also showcased the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with India’s armed forces leveraging indigenous defense capabilities.
PM Modi announced that families affected by cross-border firing have already received Government assistance, including appointment letters for jobs and financial aid for home repairs. Modi announced an additional financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for families whose homes were severely damaged by Pakistani shelling and Rs 1 lakh for those with partially damaged properties.
“The pain of these families is the nation’s pain,” Modi emphasised, pledging continued relief efforts.
Highlighting the strategic importance of border residents, the PM described them as “India’s frontline protectors.” He noted that over 10,000 new bunkers constructed in border areas played a critical role in safeguarding lives during the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
PM Modi also called on J and K’s youth to join India’s manufacturing revolution, emphasising that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the power of a self-reliant India.
He urged young innovators to contribute to the Mission Manufacturing initiative, aimed at bolstering India’s defense and economic growth. “India is now a leading defense exporter, and our next goal is to rank among the world’s top defense exporters,” Modi said, highlighting the employment opportunities this would create.
The Prime Minister urged all Indians to prioritise Made in India products, describing them as a reflection of the nation’s hard work and a true service to the country. He expressed confidence in J and K’s bright future, driven by collaboration between the Central and State Governments. “With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, we will build a developed India and a developed Jammu and Kashmir,” the PM concluded, celebrating the region’s spirit of progress.
The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, V. Somanna, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, among other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, called it a momentous occasion that will go down in history. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.
“Kashmir to Kanyakumari” is no longer a slogan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned this decade-long dream into reality. He has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from North to South.
With Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Kashmir Valley, Prime Minister has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had dreamt of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.