Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session, delivered a strong statement on the government’s handling of the Pahalgam terror attack and its military responses, Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. Shah praised the armed forces, presented detailed figures, and sharply criticised the Opposition’s stance on national security.
Here are 10 key highlights from his address:
1. Operation Mahadev: All Pahalgam Attackers Neutralised
Shah began by briefing the House on Operation Mahadev, launched after the May 22 Pahalgam attack. He said he was present in Srinagar on the night of the incident. Following a security meeting on May 30, it was decided that no terrorist involved would be allowed to escape.
Between May 22 and July 22, officials used advanced intelligence and surveillance methods to trace the attackers in the hills. The 4 Para unit, CRPF, J&K police, and five human intelligence assets conducted a joint operation. All three terrorists were killed. Their identities were later confirmed by four individuals in NIA custody, as well as through ballistic and ammunition tests. Shah said this operation brought justice to the civilians killed in Pahalgam.
2. Details of the Pahalgam Attack
Shah stated that 26 people, 25 Indians and one Nepali, were killed in the terror attack. An urgent Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting was held on 30 April, where key measures were decided.
3. Indus Water Treaty Suspended
As a response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and sent back all Pakistani nationals living in India. Shah criticised the Congress, calling the original treaty a “historic blunder”.
4. Large-Scale Military Strike: Operation Sindoor
On 9 May, India launched Operation Sindoor, destroying 11 Pakistani airbases including Noor Khan Chaklala, Murid, Jacobabad, and Sukur. In addition, six radar systems and surface-to-air defence weapons were taken out.
5. Pakistan Surrendered
Shah claimed that the scale of India’s attack forced Pakistan to surrender. While Pakistan attempted to target Indian civilian areas, the Indian military deliberately avoided retaliating against Pakistani civilians.
6. Ceasefire Request from Pakistan
On 10 May, Pakistan’s DGMO contacted Indian officials to request a ceasefire. India agreed and halted the attack at 5 PM on the same day.
7. Why the Attack Was Halted
When questioned about why the offensive didn’t continue, Shah replied, “Every war has a civilian cost.” He referred to the wars of 1951 and 1971, emphasising that India acted responsibly despite being in a position of strength.
8. Evidence of Pakistani Involvement
Shah rebuked Congress MP P. Chidambaram for doubting the identity of the terrorists. He said Pakistani voter IDs, gun licences, and even Pakistani chocolates were recovered from the attackers, clear proof of their origin.
9. Congress Accused of Supporting Pakistan’s Narrative
Shah accused the Congress Party of undermining national interest by questioning India’s evidence and demanding justification for retaliatory strikes. He said this sends the wrong message and weakens India’s stand.
10. Fall in Terrorism After Article 370 Revocation
Citing data, Shah said the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir led to a sharp drop in terror incidents. Between 2004–2014, there were 7,200 incidents; between 2015–2025, the number dropped to 1,525. Meanwhile, the number of terrorists killed rose by 162%.
He also made it clear that no talks would be held with the Hurriyat Conference, which he described as a terror-linked group with no legitimacy.
