During the inauguration of the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians — mostly tourists — on April 22, saying it aimed to undermine tourism in J&K and incite riots across India.
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, Narendra Modi delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan over the recent Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that it was a direct assault on both humanity and Kashmiriyat.
He said the attackers intended to derail Kashmir’s tourism industry and provoke communal unrest in the country.
‘True Hero Of The Valley’
Addressing a large gathering in Katra, PM Modi paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the brave pony ride operator from Pahalgam who lost his life while trying to protect tourists during the attack.
Modi hailed Shah as a “true hero of the valley” and a symbol of courage in the face of terror.
Commending the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their resilience, the Prime Minister said they had stood united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, sending a powerful message not only to Pakistan but to extremists across the globe.
He highlighted that the people’s courage and unity had disrupted the nefarious goals of those seeking to destabilise the region.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have shown that they will not tolerate terror anymore,” Modi said. “This is the same terrorism that once burned down schools and ruined entire generations. But today’s youth are determined to respond with strength and clarity.”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi declared that the progress of the region would continue undeterred, despite the tragedy in Pahalgam.
“Anyone trying to block the dreams of the youth will first have to face Modi,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the inauguration of several key infrastructure projects, including the iconic Chenab Bridge—now the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge—as well as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge.
He also flagged off the first-ever train service directly connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Indian mainland, a major milestone in the region’s integration and development.
Chenab Railway Bridge
The Chenab Bridge, a marvel of engineering built across the Chenab River, stands 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
It took over two decades to construct and is part of a 272-kilometre all-weather railway line extending from Jammu to Kashmir.
The bridge is set to transform connectivity in the region, reducing travel time and making the Valley more accessible throughout the year.
PM Modi’s visit comes just weeks after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, all men and mostly Hindu tourists.
This marked the Prime Minister’s first trip to the Kashmir Valley since the attack and the subsequent military operation.
In a powerful display of resolve, Modi reiterated that the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be broken by violence.
“The enemies of peace tried to target innocent lives and shake the confidence of this land. But their actions have only strengthened our resolve,” he concluded.
(With inputs from IBNS)
