Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful and resolute address on national security and the fight against cross-border terrorism during a public gathering in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on Wednesday. Focusing on Operation Sindoor—the military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—Modi declared on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians that the mission is still ongoing.
Speaking directly to the people of West Bengal, Modi acknowledged the widespread outrage that followed the April 22 attack, where terrorists targeted innocent civilians. “I felt the deep anger that simmered within you after the brutality inflicted by terrorists in Pahalgam,” he said. The Prime Minister underscored the symbolic significance of “sindoor” (vermilion), a mark of dignity for Indian women, pointing out how terrorists had the audacity to wipe it away. He praised the armed forces for retaliating with strength, ensuring the perpetrators understood the power behind that symbol.
Modi’s emphasis on sindoor resonated strongly with the crowd, drawing enthusiastic applause. “Terrorists dared to erase the sindoor of our sisters, but our forces showcased its true strength,” he proclaimed, highlighting the military’s decisive strike against terror infrastructure across the border—moves that Pakistan had never anticipated.
Further contextualizing the current conflict, Modi recalled historical wounds, referencing the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during that period. “The terror and massacres unleashed by the Pakistan army in former East Pakistan remain unforgettable,” he said. Modi criticized Pakistan’s ongoing support for terrorism, stating that the country has little positive to contribute globally, as its army’s main “expertise” remains violence and terror, often ending in defeat.
Beyond the security message, Modi visited Bengal to inaugurate a significant infrastructure initiative—the foundation stone laying for a City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. This major investment of over $120 million aims to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 250,000 homes and over 100 businesses and industries. It will also provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for the transportation sector through nearly 19 new CNG stations, marking a key advancement in the region’s energy infrastructure.
Through his speech and the launch of this energy project, Modi connected themes of security, dignity, and development, signaling India’s ongoing commitment to protecting its citizens and progressing its infrastructure.
