What Amit Shah Said on Terrorism, Pakistan Strikes, and Yatra Security During His Visit to Poonch — Top Quotes

Poonch: In a strong and emotional address during his visit to Poonch district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, extending full support to the victims’ families and reaffirming the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Shah’s visit marks his first to the region after Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military strike on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this month.

Here are the top quotes from Amit Shah’s powerful address and interactions:

• “Pakistan carried out a highly condemnable and cowardly attack targeting residential and religious areas. Our innocent civilians were harmed.”
• “The government is arranging for employment appointments for the families of those affected. While a government job or compensation cannot replace the loss of a loved one, it symbolises the deep emotions and solidarity of the people and the government with the victims’ families.”
• “The entire nation stands with you like a rock.”
• “The bravery shown by the citizens and officials of Poonch, and the patriotism emerging from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, has become a source of strength for the entire country.”
• “A cowardly attack also took place in Pahalgam. As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy, every terrorist act will be met with an equally strong and decisive response.”
• “Terrorist bases in Pakistan were destroyed. This strong retaliation was made possible due to the will of the Indian people, the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi, precise intelligence inputs, and the unmatched striking power of our armed forces. Hundreds of terrorists were neutralised.”
• “Pakistan claimed the strikes were an attack on them, but our action was targeted solely at terrorist camps. Not a single Indian Army post was hit, and no Pakistani civilian was harmed.”
• “We demolished only the terrorist hideouts. In contrast, Pakistan resorted to shelling in civilian areas, causing severe damage, especially in Poonch. They fired at gurdwaras and madrasas—acts that the international community has strongly condemned.”
• “In response, the Indian Army launched precise strikes on nine Pakistani air bases, forcing Pakistan to come forward for dialogue.”

Shah also chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu late Thursday night to assess the preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. He directed all forces to stay vigilant and ensure seamless and secure passage for pilgrims.

“Chaired a review meeting for the Amarnath Pilgrimage and evaluated the security arrangements and preparedness meant for the pilgrims. Instructed to maintain utmost vigilance and ensure seamless completion of the sacred journey,” Shah posted on X.

The Centre has sanctioned the deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), totaling around 42,000 personnel for the Yatra. 424 companies will be stationed directly in Jammu and Kashmir, with additional forces being redeployed from Operation Sindoor to strategic points along the pilgrimage route and Srinagar.

Shah’s latest visit is his third since April 6 and follows closely after the Pahalgam terror strike on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. He met families affected by Pakistani shelling in Poonch, the worst-hit district where 14 civilians died in drone and artillery attacks between May 7 and May 10.

He also visited religious sites and interacted with BSF personnel, highlighting the government’s continued efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

The security review meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior army officers, and officials from police and paramilitary forces.