Just months ahead of the Bihar elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a speech in Madhubani on Thursday, briefly switched to English to assure strict action against the terrorists and their “backers” responsible for the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Though his address was primarily aimed at the state, the shift to English was intended for a global audience, as he pledged that the government would “identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers” and expressed gratitude to all countries supporting India during this period of mourning.
Modi also emphasized the importance of national unity beyond language differences — a topic that has recently been in the spotlight — highlighting that the victims of the attack came from various states and spoke different Indian languages, and affirming that the entire nation stands in solidarity with them. Modi’s multifaceted speech was centered on reinforcing India’s firm stance against terrorism and its “backers.” Within government circles, there is a prevailing belief that Pakistan is responsible for the Pahalgam attack—an allegation Islamabad has denied. In response, the Centre has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, reduced diplomatic presence in both countries, ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave India, and closed the Wagah-Attari border.
Against this backdrop, PM Modi’s address signaled a veiled determination to escalate India’s response to the terror attack beyond the measures already implemented, evoking memories of the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and the earlier surgical strikes along the Line of Control. After vowing to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack and their supporters—prompting applause from the crowd—Modi declared in English, “Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”
Continuing in English, he added, “Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served. The entire nation stands united in this commitment. Everyone who values humanity is with us. I thank the people and leaders of various countries who have expressed their support … The punishment will be severe and far beyond what these terrorists could have imagined …”
Modi stressed the importance of national unity that transcends linguistic and regional lines, stating, “Unmein se koi Bangla bolta tha, koi Kannada bolta tha, koi Marathi tha, koi Odiya tha, koi Gujarati tha, koi yahaan Bihar ka laal tha. Aaj un sabhi ki mrityu par Kargil se Kanyakumari tak hamara dukh ek jaisa hai. Hamara aakrosh ek jaisa hai. Ye hamla sirf nihathhe paryatakon par nahin hua hai, dekh ke dushamon ne Bharat ki aatma par hamla karne ka dussahas kiya hai.” He emphasized that the victims came from different linguistic and regional backgrounds, but the entire country shares the same sorrow and outrage, as the attack was not just on tourists, but a direct assault on the spirit of India.
He further indicated a strong response from India, stating, “Main bahot spasht shabdon mein kehna chahta hoon, jinhone ye hamla kiya hai un aatankiyon ko aur is hamle ki saazish rachne waalon ko unki kalpana se bhi badee saza milegi. Sazaa mil kar ke rahegi. Ab aatankiyon ki bachi kuchi zameen ko bhi mitti mein milaane ka samay aa gaya hai. 140 karor Bharatiyon ki ichha shakti ab aatank ke aakaaon ki kamar tod kar rahegi.” With these words, Modi made it clear that India is prepared to deliver a punishment far beyond the expectations of the attackers, and the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians will crush the backbone of terrorism. Although Modi did not directly mention Pakistan, many within BJP circles believe his remarks were a veiled reference to the neighbouring country and could indicate that even tougher measures may follow. Earlier in his address, Modi requested the crowd to observe a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in Pahalgam and to remember their “aaraadhya dev (deities)” while keeping the victims in their thoughts during the silence.
