Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 30 (ANI): India is preparing for a significant response against Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed several innocent civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian Army complete freedom to take any necessary action, and four key meetings are being held in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the way forward.

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has accused the Congress party of playing politics in the aftermath of the attack, while voicing full support for Prime Minister Modi's strong leadership.

Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Jai Ram Thakur said that this time, Pakistan will get a response that it will never forget.

'Pakistan will receive a response this time that it will never forget for generations to come. In 1965, 1971, and 1999, Pakistan had to face humiliating defeats in wars against India, but it still hasn't learned its lesson. The recent attack in Pahalgam is another act of cowardice where innocent lives were lost. The entire country stands like a rock behind Prime Minister Modi,' he said.

Thakur pointed out that while the international community is exposing and condemning Pakistan for its role in terrorism, certain Congress leaders are making statements that appear to support the neighbouring nation.

'Congress leaders are giving such shameful statements that they seem to be speaking in favour of Pakistan. A picture without a head is going viral on social media, reportedly shared with Rahul Gandhi's consent. It has caused nationwide embarrassment for Congress, forcing them to delete the post later. Such actions are bringing shame to the nation,' Thakur said.

He emphasised the seriousness of today's four high-level meetings in Delhi: the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, and the full Cabinet meeting, suggesting that a major decision on Pakistan is imminent.

'These meetings are all aligned towards one direction, a significant move against Pakistan is on the horizon. Pakistan needs to be taught the best lesson possible. I am confident that the Indian response will ensure Pakistan never dares to repeat such actions,' Thakur stated.

Thakur also expressed condolences to the families affected by the Pahalgam attack and praised the swift actions of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

'The Prime Minister immediately returned from his international visit, and the Home Minister flew directly from Delhi to Srinagar to assess the situation. The global community has expressed solidarity with India and condemned the Pahalgam attack. This is just the beginning, a strong message is coming,' he added.

Thakur didn't hold back in criticising Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and two of his ministers, Jagat Singh Negi and Chander Kumar.

'Two ministers in the state government, Jagat Singh Negi and Chander Kumar, do not listen to the Chief Minister, nor does the CM seem to control them. They consistently make statements that contradict the Army and national sentiment. If they don't know what to say at this stage of life, they should keep their mouths shut. The central government will not seek their advice before taking decisions,' said Thakur.

He questioned whether such individuals deserve to remain in the cabinet and urged the Chief Minister to take disciplinary action.

'Are they fit to hold ministerial positions? That's a question the Chief Minister must seriously consider. The Congress party's ministers are shamelessly giving anti-national statements. The CM must take note, 'he said.

Thakur said that when terrorists used to be killed in Kashmir during the Congress government, thousands would protest, and the Indian national flag was often insulted.

'During earlier Congress regimes, when terrorists were killed, locals protested in large numbers, and the Indian flag was desecrated. But under Prime Minister Modi, the response is swift and direct. Wherever the terrorists attack, they will be eliminated and buried right there,' he said.

Thakur reiterated his faith in the current leadership, 'I won't say much more, but I can assure you that under strong leadership, a decisive step is about to be taken. Himachal Pradesh stands firmly with Prime Minister Modi like a rock,' he affirmed. (ANI)