In pics: PM Modi meets family of Pahalgam terror attack victim in Kanpur; says 'nation stands with you'​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Kanpur Airport on Friday to meet the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman who was killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting followed a request by Kanpur MP Ramesh Awasthi to the PMO. (All photo credit: ANI)

PM Modi offered heartfelt condolences to Shubham’s family, placing a hand on his father’s shoulder as he broke down. "He spoke to us like a guardian," said Sanjay Dwivedi. The Prime Minister assured them of full government support and emphasized, "The entire nation stands with you."

During the meeting, Shubham's wife, Aishanya, told the Prime Minister that terrorists asked victims about their religion before opening fire. "They wanted to divide us on religious lines," she said. PM Modi listened attentively and replied, “The fight against terrorism is long, and it will go on.”

Shubham, newly married on February 12, 2025, was killed on the spot when Pakistani terrorists targeted unarmed tourists in Pahalgam. His family requested that he be officially declared a martyr. "Our son was targeted simply for being a Hindu," a relative said with tears.

As the meeting concluded, PM Modi promised the family they would meet again. He said in his X post "Today I met the family members of our Kanpur son Shubham Dwivedi who lost his life in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He expressed his gratitude to our mighty army for Operation Sindoor against terrorism. This spirit of his is going to inspire the countrymen."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive crowd in Kanpur on Friday with a blunt warning to Pakistan. “If I say this straight in Kanpuriya—dushman kahin bhi ho honk diya jayega,” he declared, affirming that India would not hesitate to strike back against terrorism.

PM Modi was felicitated by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several key development projects. PM Modi hailed it as proof of India’s growing defense capabilities and self-reliance, stating, “The world witnessed the power of indigenous weapons,” referencing Indian-made systems like the BrahMos missile developed under the Make in India initiative.

Alongside his talk on national security, PM Modi laid the foundation and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 47,600 crore in Kanpur. He said these initiatives reflected the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, combining development with defense.

The crowd erupted in applause and chants of “Modi! Modi!” as the Prime Minister vowed strong action against terrorism and showcased India’s military prowess. Locals waved flags and cheered, visibly energized by his speech.