India's Defence Minister pledged on Wednesday to deliver a prompt response to those who executed and orchestrated the deadliest attack on civilians in the Kashmir region in years. 

"Those responsible for this heinous act will hear our reply soon, loud and clear," Rajnath Singh stated in a speech delivered in New Delhi, just one day after gunmen killed 26 individuals at a popular tourist destination in the disputed Himalayan area. 

"We won't just reach those people who carried out the attack. We will also reach out to those who planned this from behind the scenes on our land." While Singh did not specify who he believes is accountable for the attack, he emphasized that "India's government will take every step that may be necessary and appropriate".