Pulwama attack: Forces behind terror will definitely be punished, says Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday vowed to punish the forces behind the deadly Pulwama attack that killed 40 soldiers on Thursday, and said India’s security forces have been given full freedom to chalk out a retaliation.

Modi said this at the inauguration of India’s first semi-high speed train called Vande Bharat Express from the New Delhi railway station.

Modi sought the blessings of the martyred soldiers before he flagged off the trains.

Condoling the deaths, Modi said: “I pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack. Our security forces have been given full freedom. We have full faith in their bravery. The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it will definitely be punished.”

“I thank all nations who have supported us and condemned this incident in the strongest of terms. A strong reply will be given to this attack,” warned Modi. “If our neighbour, who is totally isolated in the world, thinks it can destabilise India through such tactics and conspiracies, then it is making a big mistake,” he added.

Members of the Railway Board and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal were on board the train on its inaugural journey.

(With agency inputs.)