Gangtok, May 29 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Pahalgam terror strike last month was an attack on the soul and unity of India, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor was a “decisive response” to terrorists.

He asserted that the country was united in its fight against terrorism, adding that India gave a befitting reply and destroyed terror infrastructure and several airbases in Pakistan.

Describing the Pahalgam attack as a “deliberate attempt” to create a rift in India on religious lines, Modi said, “We sent out a clear message that the country is united despite the terror strike which erased the sindoor of some of our sisters”.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, died in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The execution-like killing by terrorists after reportedly asking about the victims’ faith left the entire country grieving and outraged.

Addressing the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood function at Paljor Stadium here, Modi said the Himalayan state is the “pride of the nation” and its people believe in democracy.

The prime minister regretted that he could not attend the function for the statehood celebrations due to inclement weather, but assured that he would visit the state in future.

“Operation Sindoor against terrorists in the wake of the Pahalgam attack was a befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India. What terrorists did in Pahalgam was an attack on humanity, and we are now united in the fight against terrorism,” the PM said virtually from Bagdogra in West Bengal.

The PM inaugurated a slew of infrastructure projects and laid the foundation stones for several others.

The projects inaugurated by Modi included a 500-bed District Hospital in Namchi, ‘Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari’ (at White Hall, Ridge Park), a passenger ropeway at Pelling to Sangacholing Monastery, a ‘gaushala’ (cowshed) at Mamring and a statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gangtok district.

He also laid the foundation stones for a district hospital at Pakyong, a visitor experience centre at Nathula, and the conversion of Singshore Bridge into a glass skywalk.

He also unveiled the Bhaleydunga Skywalk project, a working women’s hostel at Gangtok (Tadong), the Swarna Jayanti Convention Centre at Namli, and the Swarna Jayanti Sports and Cultural Centre near Gangtok.

The prime minister congratulated the people of Sikkim on the completion of 50 years of statehood and said he was glad that the people of the Himalayan state chose to join a democratic India to be part of development and prosperity.

Modi hailed Sikkim for being a “shining example of the blending of biodiversity and spiritualism”.

Sikkim is rich in biodiversity and has set examples in nature conservation, he added.

The state has also become a big tourist destination despite being small in size and welcomes around 10 lakh visitors annually, he said.

Recalling the contributions of great sportspersons Bhaichung Bhutia, Tarundeep Rai and Jaspal Pradhan, he said that Sikkim has the potential to become a hub of sports activities.

The prime minister said the NDA government was dedicated to making India a sports superpower.

“We want Northeast, including Sikkim, to move in this direction. Sikkim has the potential to become a hub of adventure sports,” he added.

The prime minister also said Sikkim was increasing organic exports, which was a big achievement for the state.

The PM said “organic fisheries” had a global market and Sikkim should explore such opportunities. He said the demand for organic fish was tremendous worldwide, and the entire Northeast could benefit from this venture.

Modi asked for a cluster approach towards attaining the goal.

The organic fisheries cluster focuses on an ecologically healthy fish farming system, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides.

He said that connectivity was the main focus of the Centre, and the Sevoke-Rangpo project will link the Himalayan state with the country’s rail network.

Sikkim also marked the completion of 50 years of statehood with the unveiling of a specially minted Rs 50 silver coin and a commemorative postage stamp.

The coin, crafted from 99.9 per cent pure silver and weighing 40 grams, stands as a symbol of Sikkim’s remarkable transformation from a Himalayan kingdom into an Indian state.

A commemorative stamp was also released to capture Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Chief Minister PS Tamang, in his address, said the release of the coin and the postage stamp serves not only as a tribute to Sikkim’s past achievements but also as a symbol of hope for continued growth and harmony.

“It underscores the state’s integral role within the broader Indian nation, reflecting a story of resilience, unity, and sustainable development,” he said. PTI CORR KDK MNB BDC