Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has confirmed that those responsible for the brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack have been identified and assured that retribution is imminent. “They won’t live long,” Sinha declared, while refraining from disclosing further operational details at this time.
The horrific attack on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left 16 others wounded. Victims had come from various corners of the country, turning what was meant to be a scenic visit into a national tragedy.
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a strong counter-strike aimed at Pakistan-backed terror groups. Sinha revealed that intelligence agencies have zeroed in on the perpetrators. “You will soon hear good news,” he said, hinting at impending action. He reminded the public that in the last five years, numerous terror outfit leaders have been eliminated, and this group will share the same fate.
Highlighting India's firm stand against terrorism, Sinha said the Indian Army does not need to prove its effectiveness to anyone. “Pakistan has always made hollow claims but never provided credible evidence to support their narrative. The Indian forces have relied solely on indigenous strength and equipment, and the valor they displayed is praiseworthy,” he noted.
The Lieutenant Governor also candidly acknowledged that the Pahalgam attack represented a security failure. “It was a terror strike sponsored by Pakistan, designed to destabilize Kashmir’s growing economy and sow communal discord,” he stated. He added that the attack occurred in a wide-open area with no proper security deployment exposing a long-held local assumption that terrorists would not target tourists.
Sinha further pointed to local complicity in the attack, referencing recent NIA arrests that revealed internal involvement. “Yes, we’ve made mistakes, but we are learning and adapting fast,” he said, indicating increased vigilance going forward.
The Pahalgam tragedy has shaken the nation, but Sinha’s strong statements and India’s aggressive response underline a new doctrine: terrorists and their sponsors will face swift and decisive justice.