NEW DELHI: 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 Gowda said.

A few weeks ago, after a series of meetings with the Armed Forces chiefs, the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi said that the armed forces have full operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.

"This is the first time. I was also the PM, and I know the ground realities. This is the first time the PM has taken such bold steps to give such freedom to the Army. Never in the past has it happened," Deve Gowda said.

Reaffirming his support for the PM, the JD(S) Chief said that several steps have been taken, and the PM has assured that he will ensure that those responsible for the attack are taught a lesson.

"The Home Minister and also the Defence Minister are collectively operating, and their entire response is on the shoulders of the PM. The country is with the Prime Minister, all political parties should, with one voice, talk about the action taken by the Prime Minister. He has already taken several steps to teach a lesson," Deve Gowda said.

As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry issued directions for a mock drill on May 7 for effective civil defence in all the states and union territories.