Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those responsible for the Pulwama terror attack will pay “a very heavy price” and security forces will be given a free hand to deal with terrorists. In a hard-hitting speech, Modi said the “blood of the people is boiling” and forces behind the act of terrorism will definitely be punished.

“I want to tell the terror outfits and those aiding and abetting them that they have made a big mistake. They will have to pay a very heavy price for their actions. Let me assure the nation that those behind this attack, the perpetrators of this attack will be punished,” Modi said at a function to flag off the Vande Bharat Express, India’s fastest train from Delhi to Varanasi. He was speaking just after the Cabinet meeting.

“Security forces have been given complete freedom, the blood of the people is boiling...Our neighbouring country, which has been isolated internationally, thinks such terror attacks can destabilise us, but their plans will not materialise,” Modi said.

“My condolences to families of those martyred in Pulwama attack; those behind the terror strike will pay a very heavy price,” Modi said.

“I am thankful to all nations which condemned the Pulwama attack and I urge them to come together to crush terrorism,” he said.

Appealing to his critics to not politicise the tragedy, Modi said the attacks have left the country emotional. “I understand the sentiments of those criticising us but I urge them that it is an emotional time, so stay away from political one-upmanship,” he said.

Addressing a public meeting in Jhansi later in the day, the PM again did not name Pakistan but said the attack was an outcome of the neighbour’s desperation as it is in a bad shape and has been forced to go to different countries with a “begging bowl” to meet even its daily expenses.