During his first visit to the Union Territory since the April Pahalgam terror attack, Shah condemned Pakistan’s shelling of civilian areas and religious sites, while reaffirming India’s commitment to protect its people and borders.
By Pravin Kumar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Poonch on Friday, delivered a strong message on India’s resolute stance against terrorism, emphasizing the success of Operation Sindoor and condemning Pakistan’s targeting of civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit, marking his first to the Union Territory since the Operation Sindoor, included interactions with families affected by Pakistani shelling and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, whom he praised for their role in the operation.
“We have sent a message that India will not tolerate any attack on innocent civilians or the Indian Armed Forces. Every attack will be responded to with more precision and accuracy,” Shah declared, addressing the devastating impact of Pakistan’s actions.
He noted that Poonch suffered the most damage, with 14 of the 28 civilian fatalities reported between May 7 and May 10, 2025, due to Pakistan’s heavy artillery and mortar fire along the Line of Control (LoC). “For the first time, firing was done on Poonch post-independence. The entire world is condemning the attack by Pakistan,” he added.
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Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation @AmitShah , during his visit to the border district of Poonch, met and interacted with families who lost loved ones in recent cross-border shelling originating from Pakistan.
He said: “When Pakistan attacked our civilians, the… pic.twitter.com/DBpYwXhlTV— KINS (News Agency) (@indepth_news) May 30, 2025
Shah highlighted the Indian Armed Forces’ swift and decisive response under Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. “On the night of May 7, we destroyed terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation,” he stated. The operation targeted nine terror camps linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, destroying key infrastructure in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Shah emphasized that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” yet Pakistan’s response revealed its role in sheltering terrorists. “We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones sheltering terrorists,” he said.
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The Home Minister condemned Pakistan’s targeting of civilian areas and religious sites, including a Gurdwara in Poonch, which was damaged during the shelling. “Pakistan targeted civilian areas and religious places, a new low even for them,” he remarked, referencing the destruction of homes, schools, and places of worship.
Shah also underscored the critical role of infrastructure in protecting border residents, noting that over 9,500 bunkers constructed in J&K’s border areas were instrumental in saving lives during the shelling. “More than 9,500 bunkers played a major role in protecting the people. The central government will construct more bunkers to ensure safety during any crisis,” he assured.
In a gesture of solidarity, Shah announced that appointment letters have been issued to families affected by the shelling, reflecting the unity between the J&K government, the central government, and the nation. “This is a sign that the sentiments of the nation are connected with you,” he told the affected families.
The Indian Armed Forces’ response, which included destroying nine Pakistani air bases, forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, after days of intense cross-border exchanges.
Shah praised the armed forces for their professionalism and technological prowess, stating, “The Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply, showcasing our might and compelling Pakistan to come forward for a ceasefire.”
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Shah’s visit comes amid ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in J&K, with the government committed to rehabilitating affected families and reviving tourism, which has been impacted since the Pahalgam attack. The Home Minister’s remarks reinforce Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new anti-terror doctrine, signaling that India will continue to respond decisively to any future threats.
