RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat meets PM Modi at his residence: Sources

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's residence in New Delhi's 7, Lok Lakyan Marg on Tuesday evening, sources said.

The meeting took place shortly after PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting with top officials from the defence establishment to discuss India’s response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead.

The meeting between the Prime Minister and the RSS chief came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which took place last week. Around five to six terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba infiltrated the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam on April 22 and carried out a targeted attack on tourists, killing 26.

While addressing a public event last week, Bhagwat urged the central government to give a strong response to those responsible for the Pahalgam carnage. "We hope for a strong response. People were killed after being asked about their religion. Hindus would



never do such a thing. There is pain in our hearts. We are angry," the RSS chief had said.

Without naming the Prime Minister, Bhagwat said that it was the duty of the king to protect his people. "We never insult or harm our neighbours. But if someone turns to evil, what is the other option? The duty of the king is to protect the people. The king must perform his duty. Teaching hooligans a lesson is also part of the duty," he said.

Meanwhile, PM Modi, according to sources, has given complete "operational freedom" to the armed forces in deciding the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

During the high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, the Prime Minister affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

"They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response," sources quoted PM Modi as saying.