On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, invoking Lord Buddha’s teachings of peace while firmly underscoring India’s military resolve in the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack.
“Today is Buddha Purnima, and Lord Buddha showed us the path of peace. Shaanti ka maarg bhi Shakti se hokar jaata hai,” said PM Modi in a televised message, echoing the balance between peace and power. The statement comes just days after India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-precision cross-border military campaign aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure allegedly responsible for the April 22 attack in Kashmir.
#WATCH | #OperationSindoor | In his address to the nation, PM Modi says, “Today is Buddha Purnima, lord Buddha showed us the path of peace. ‘Shaanti ka maarg bhi Shakti see hokar jata hai’…” pic.twitter.com/7uiZWGsgwX
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2025
The Pahalgam Massacre: Deadliest Attack in 25 Years
On April 22, at least 26 civilians, most of them tourists, were killed in the picturesque hill town of Pahalgam, located in Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The massacre marked the deadliest assault in the region in a quarter-century and sent shockwaves through the country.
The attack, which targeted vacationing families and non-local workers during peak tourist season, triggered widespread condemnation and demands for a strong retaliatory response.
Operation Sindoor: A Swift and Strategic Military Response
In the early hours of May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor a calibrated military operation aimed at neutralising terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC). Defence officials confirmed that the strike focused on infrastructure linked to those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre.
The operation, which lasted less than 36 hours, reportedly inflicted “heavy damage” on key terrorist hideouts without any reported civilian casualties. The name ‘Sindoor’ symbolic of sacrifice and purity was chosen to honour the memory of the victims, especially the women and children.
Ceasefire Tensions and Diplomatic Strain Amidst Speech of PM Modi
Following the strikes, ceasefire violations were reported along parts of the LoC on May 9. Pakistan accused India of “unprovoked aggression,” while New Delhi maintained that the mission was a targeted counterterrorism effort.
Diplomatic channels between the two countries remain tense, although officials suggest that backdoor dialogue is ongoing to prevent further escalation.
Message Sent By PM Modi: Peace Through Strength
While invoking Lord Buddha’s philosophy of peace, Prime Minister Modi also made it clear that peace cannot be preserved without strength. “Shaanti ka maarg bhi Shakti se hokar jaata hai,” he said, implying that India’s pursuit of peace is backed by its military might.
As security tightens across Kashmir and tourist areas, the Indian government has assured the public that normalcy will return soon with safety and sovereignty firmly in place.
