The announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 29 that the three suspected terrorists killed on the outskirts of Srinagar were directly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack marks a major breakthrough in our counter-terror operations. This successful operation is not only a tribute to the tireless efforts of the security forces but also underscores the Modi government’s firm and consistent approach to dealing with terrorism emanating from across the border. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 innocent civilian tourists and a local Kashmiri lost their lives, was one of the deadliest in recent memory. It sent shockwaves across the country and highlighted the continued threat posed by Pakistan-backed terror outfits. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for the massacre. The swift and surgical response in eliminating the perpetrators just over three months later sends a clear message: India’s resolve to pursue and punish those who harm its citizens remains unshaken. This success cannot and should not be seen in isolation. Over the past decade, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, our internal security architecture has undergone significant transformation. Enhanced intelligence coordination, better inter-agency synergy, increased surveillance capacity, and the deployment of sophisticated technology have strengthened our ability to pre-empt and counter threats. The emphasis has also been on a proactive approach — going after the perpetrators rather than waiting to be attacked. The killing of the Pahalgam attackers is a manifestation of this doctrine in action. Moreover, this achievement holds geopolitical significance. It bolsters our consistent assertion at international forums that terrorism from Pakistan is not just a local or regional problem, but a global threat. By neutralising the culprits behind a high-profile attack, we have demonstrated both capability and credibility in fighting terror on our own terms — a fact that will resonate globally, especially as countries weigh the costs of inaction in an increasingly interconnected world. However, while this success is commendable, it should not breed complacency. The roots of terror remain deep and dynamic, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The challenge ahead lies in continuing to build local confidence, strengthening civilian-security cooperation, and addressing the socio-political vacuum that extremist ideologies often exploit. Nevertheless, this counter-terror success is a moment of validation for the Modi government’s robust national security policy. It has reassured our nation that those responsible for heinous crimes will not go unpunished, and that the country’s leadership stands firmly behind its security forces in protecting every inch of Indian soil.