Pahalgam culprits will get harshest punishment: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated the resolve to give the "harshest" punishment to those behind the Pahalgam attack, which he said was aimed at derailing development in Kashmir as he urged the people of the country to stay united in the fight against terrorism.

- Saubhadra Chatterji

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Modi said the attack that killed 26 people triggered anger across the country, and people were standing with the families of the victims irrespective of their own regional and linguistic identities.

"No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language they speak, they are feeling the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil... I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response," he said.

Modi's comments came against the backdrop of India unveiling a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading bilateral ties, and shutting down the Attari checkpostover the worst terror strike on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.