‘Response Was Inevitable’: DGMO Rajiv Ghai Details India’s Retaliation To April 22 Pahalgam Attack

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 7:42 PM IST

Lt Gen Ghai described the attack as “terror coming calling,” in which terrorists from across the LoC identified and singled out victims based on their community

Director General Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai | Image: ANI

India’s retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack was deliberate and meticulously planned, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said on Tuesday, noting that a response was “inevitable” following the targeted killing of 26 tourists.

Speaking in Delhi, Lt Gen Ghai described the attack as “terror coming calling,” in which sponsored terrorists from across the Line of Control (LoC) identified and singled out victims based on their community, shooting them in cold blood in front of their families.

“There were immediate claimers; this was ‘glory.’ However, when the Kashmir Resistance Front initially claimed the attack, they realised matters had possibly gone beyond their control and immediately withdrew,” he said.

Pahalgam Attack: A Targeted Massacre

The Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists visiting the scenic town in south Kashmir, left 26 dead, including a Nepalese civilian.

Authorities said the militants had specifically chosen their victims, asking about their community before opening fire.

The incident drew nationwide outrage and heightened security concerns across the region, with officials describing it as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.

Lt Gen Ghai highlighted the meticulous planning behind India’s response.

“Everybody knew that a response was inevitable. But we took our time,” he said, adding that the Chief of Army Staff had emphasised full operational flexibility for the armed forces.

“Between April 22 and the night of May 6-7, the actions were evolving and unfolding… We were prioritising our targets.”

India’s retaliation, carried out under Operation Sindoor, involved a series of coordinated military actions targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The DGMO noted that inter-service coordination and intelligence sharing played a key role in selecting and neutralising high-value targets.

Precautionary deployments were also made along the borders to deter further infiltrations.

“The final selection of targets was carried out from a large number of targets that we scrutinised,” Lt Gen Ghai said, underlining the precision and caution exercised during the operation.

The Pahalgam attack sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. Political leaders condemned the targeted killings and demanded swift action against those responsible.

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