Pulwama attack: PM Modi hints at strong action against Pakistan, says ‘time for talks is now over’

In a stern warning to Pakistan over the Pulwama attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the time for dialogue with the neighbouring country is over and strong actions are required to fight the menace of terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference with Argentinas President Mauricio Macri (unseen) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI: In a stern warning to Pakistan over the Pulwama attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the time for dialogue with the neighbouring country is over and strong actions are required to fight the menace of terrorism and its supporters. After talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri at Hyderabad House here, Modi said dithering to take action against terrorists and their supporters will be like encouraging terrorism. "I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed. Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it,"Modi said during a joint press conference with Macri. "Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism. Being part of G20 countries, it is also important that we implement the 11-point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement," he said adding that India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism on Monday. In his comments, Macri also called for united action to deal with terrorism. Forty CRPF troopers were killed last week in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir after a Jaish-e-Mohammed operative rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the paramilitary force's convoy. Soon after the attack, Narendra Modi had declared those responsible will pay a "very heavy price" and said the security forces have been given a free hand to decide on the timing, place and nature of their response. "A befitting reply will be given to the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their patrons," Modi had said, a day after the bomber rammed his vehicle laden with explosives into a CRPF bus. "Security forces have been given complete freedom, the blood of the people is boiling...Our neighbouring country, which has been isolated internationally is in a state of illusion, thinks such terror attacks can destabilise us, but their plans will not materialise," Modi had said.