Sindoor now a symbol of courage, says Modi

India will no longer tolerate a proxy war through terrorism and will respond firmly to extremist acts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, adding that "sindoor" (vermillion) has become synonymous with courage and valour after India's military response to the Pahalgam attack.

- Shruti Tomar

Speaking at an event to mark the 300th birth anniversary of 18th century queen Ahilyabai Holkar a symbol of women empowerment in Bhopal, Modi said the Indian forces were equipped to hit the backers of terrorism in their homes and make them face justice.

"We have sent a clear message that proxy wars through terrorism will not be tolerated.

If you fire bullets, you will face cannons. India, a land of culture and values, sees sindoor as a symbol of women's power.

Today, that same sindoor has become a symbol of our valour, courage and resistance to terrorism," he said.

He said that the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam attack not only shed the blood of innocent Indians but also targeted the country's culture and attempted to divide the society.