New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Indian military leadership that inflicting a crushing blow on terrorism is a national resolve, and gave the armed forces complete operational freedom to "decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response," signalling a resolute reaction to the terror attack in Pahalgam.

India has been evaluating military options to target terrorists, as well as their handlers and planners based in Pakistan, to send a clear message that such attacks would not be tolerated.

The options available to India include targeting the leadership of Pakistan-based terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba that is believed to be behind the attack, training camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, as well as terror launch pads located close to the Line of Control.

The "mode" for targeting terror backers in Pakistan can vary from shallow to deep strikes.

LoC Tense
Shallow strikes can take down launch pads, while long-range missile and aerial strikes deep inside enemy territory could target the leadership of these outfits.

The PM met the top military leadership, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs, the Chief of Defence staff, defence minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday to discuss the current security situation and operational preparedness. A meeting of the top-level Cabinet Committee on Security is planned for Wednesday morning.