"They will pay a very heavy price": PM Modi condemns Pulwama terrorist attack

The worst attack in Kashmir in 30 years took place on Thursday at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district when over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel died and many were injured in a suicide car blast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the terrorist attack and spoke at an address in Delhi after chairing a top-level security meeting with senior ministers. Modi condemned the attack and stated, "The terrorists - they have made a big mistake. You will have to pay a very heavy price. I assure everyone that the forces behind the attack - we will bring them to justice."

Modi added, "I know your blood boils looking at what has happened. I also urge everyone it's an emotional and sensitive time. Whether in the government or opposition, we must stay away from politics. The country is together. The neighbouring country, if it thinks it can destabilize India, it can forget it. That will never happen."

Speaking after the meeting, Union Minister Arun Jaitley informed that the government has decided to take all possible diplomatic steps to ensure has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status to the country.

Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed triggered the car bomb on Thursday when personnel were transported on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. A Mahindra Scorpio, driven by one Adil Ahmad Dar alias "Waqas Commando" carrying more than 350 kg of explosives rammed into a bus carrying 39 personnel.