Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a massive public gathering at Gandhinagar’s Mahatma Mandir and declared that recent terror attacks on Indian soil can no longer be seen as mere proxy wars but as part of Pakistan’s deliberate, state-sponsored war strategy.

PM Modi pointed to the fact that certain terrorists, designated by the United States, were given state funerals and military salutes in Pakistan, which he cited as clear evidence of the neighboring country’s direct involvement.

In his address, the Prime Minister recounted India’s long history of conflict with Pakistan, beginning with the 1947 partition and the first terror attack in Kashmir. He said, “If only the terrorists had been eliminated that very day… Sardar Patel had wished that the army should not stop until PoK is taken back, but no one listened to him.”

Reflecting on decades of cross-border terrorism, PM Modi emphasized, “These terrorists have been continuing this for the past 75 years. Pahalgam was a brutal example of this.” He noted that while India fought conventional wars with Pakistan and defeated them, Pakistan shifted to a proxy war strategy when it realized it could not win a conventional war.

The Prime Minister condemned the pattern of terrorism, where innocent, unarmed civilians have been targeted at pilgrimage sites, buses, and tourist spots. He asked the crowd, “Should we tolerate this? Should we not respond to bullets with bombs? Should we not uproot terrorism from its roots?”

Despite these provocations, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace, saying, “We have lived by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — treating the world as our family. We want peace for our neighbors too. But when provoked repeatedly, one must remember that this is also a land of heroes.”

PM Modi referred to Operation Sindoor, explaining how it changed India’s stance on the issue. “After May 6, we can no longer call it just a proxy war. Nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed in 22 minutes — a decisive message,” he said.

Taking a jab at the Opposition, the Prime Minister claimed, “This time, everything was done in front of the cameras so that no one would ask for proof. The other side is now giving the proof.” He added, “These terrorists, after being killed, were given state funerals in Pakistan. Their coffins draped in Pakistan’s flag and military salutes are a clear indication of state-sponsored terrorism.”

PM Modi further stated that while India focused on progress and development, Pakistan’s actions had resulted in “rivers of blood.” He also referred to the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and how India’s interests were compromised in the past, stating that the treaty led to the neglect of vital dams in Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated, “We slightly opened the gates and began the cleaning process, which caused flooding on the other side. That shows how little they have been doing to respect the agreement.”

Finally, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s desire for peace, stating, “We do not want hostility with anyone. We want to progress and contribute to the betterment of the world.”