New Delhi observed the first anniversary of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack with solemn tributes from the nation’s highest leaders, who collectively asserted India‘s resolute refusal to yield to any form of terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a host of Union ministers, alongside leaders from various political parties, paid homage to the victims, underscoring a unified national commitment to confronting and eradicating terror. The government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing that any attempts to undermine national unity or harm citizens would be met with decisive strength and unwavering clarity.
The brutal attack, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly tourists. This heinous act triggered a significant military response, leading to a four-day conflict after Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure situated in Pakistan-controlled territories. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the Indian Army has reaffirmed its steadfast resolve to combat terrorism, issuing a clear declaration that acts of aggression against India will be met with a guaranteed and potent response.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, articulated the nation’s sentiment, stating that India would neither forget the sacrifices of the victims nor forgive the perpetrators of the cowardly act. President Murmu, in her tribute, emphasized the country’s unwavering determination to defeat terrorism in all its guises and manifestations. “The tragic loss of innocent lives in that heinous act remains etched in our collective memory,” she stated, extending her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and affirming that the entire nation stands with them. She added, “Such acts of terror cannot deter our unwavering commitment to peace and unity.”
Prime Minister Modi conveyed a powerful message of national resolve, asserting, “India will never bow to any form of terror and the heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.” He further stated, “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten… As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.” Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed this sentiment, remarking that such acts of brutality could not shake the country’s resolve to uphold peace, unity, and the enduring values of humanity. He affirmed, “We remain firm in our determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who provide sanctuary to it. “Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat,” Shah declared. “India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the nation would not forget the victims and highlighted the government’s robust response to terrorism. “We will never forget those wounds inflicted on our nation,” Singh said. “India has endured decades of cross-border terror, but today our response is firm, decisive and unwavering. Through determined action, we have demonstrated that any attempt to harm our people or disrupt our unity will be met with strength and clarity.” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed the nation’s solidarity with the victims’ families, stating, “As a nation, India stands united — firm in resolve, unwavering in spirit, and resolute against all forms of terror.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced India’s firm stance on countering terrorism. “India stands steadfast in its resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he affirmed. The gravity of the attack continued to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as acknowledged by the then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “We pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in a senseless act of terror,” Abdullah stated. “They had come only to spend their holidays, yet were mercilessly targeted and killed. We stand in solidarity with their grieving families.” He further committed, “On that day (April 22, 2025), we resolved – and we remain committed – that we must do everything possible to ensure such (Pahalgam type) incidents never happen again. Whether it is the elected government, the central government, or the law and order machinery, we will all work together to make this effort successful.”
The national president of the BJP, Nitin Nabin, declared that the nation remains resolute against terrorism and “will never bow before any form of terrorism.” Echoing this sentiment, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the unity of the entire nation against terrorism, noting, “The memory of the innocent lives so ruthlessly snatched away continues to shake our hearts to this day. The grief of the martyrs’ families is a grief shared by us all.” The Congress party, while standing united against terrorism, also voiced criticism regarding the central government’s handling of Pakistan’s international standing, suggesting that while Pakistan was isolated after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, it has since regained a global platform.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
