New Delhi, May 6 -- Calling the Pahalgam attack the "most heinous crime" committed by terrorists, former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha member HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response, stating that this is the "first time" a Prime Minister has given such operational freedom to the Armed Forces.

"Most heinous crime by the terrorist, I think this is the first time when tourists were massacred in Kashmir. This is a masterminded attack; 28 people have lost their lives. Including Kumaraswamy, our party's (Janata Dal Secular) stand is very clear, we are with the decision taken by the Prime Minister. PM has cancelled his visit to Russia. He gave freedom to the army, whatever steps you (PM) want, take it," Deve Go...