India Stands Firm Against Terror: Union Minister Discusses Pahalgam Incident

Bengaluru, April 22 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi asserted on Tuesday that India will remain steadfast against the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

He expressed strong disapproval of the attack, emphasizing that the Central government is dedicated to combating such acts of evil with unwavering strength, stating that terrorism will never be accepted.

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are treating the terror incident with utmost seriousness, and necessary actions are being implemented.

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting with the Home Secretary, the Intelligence Bureau, and senior Home Ministry officials to deliberate extensively. He also communicated with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the state's Director General of Police,” he noted.

Joshi conveyed profound sorrow over the death of Shivamogga businessman Manjunath during the terror attack, praying for the tranquility of the departed soul and requesting divine strength for the grieving family.

“Those responsible will face appropriate consequences,” he asserted.

On the other hand, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy condemned the terrorist attack on tourists as despicable, labeling it a heinous act.

“Under the strong leadership of PM Modi, peace had been restored in the valley. This cowardly act by terrorists seeks to disrupt this peace with malevolent intent. Terrorism will never undermine India. Our nation possesses the strength to combat and overcome such destructive forces. I pray for everlasting peace for all the martyrs of this inhumane attack and for strength for their families to cope with this loss,” he stated.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his deep anguish regarding the terror attack.

“The Karnataka government has promptly dispatched a team of police officers to assist, ensure the safe return of those stranded, and transport the mortal remains of the deceased tourist from Shivamogga. My sincere condolences to all affected. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time,” he stated.

BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra also expressed his sadness over the tragic loss of Manjunath Rao, a respected industrialist from Shivamogga, alongside other innocent lives lost in the cowardly terror attack.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to their families and prayers for the rapid recovery of the injured. As PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have firmly declared, those responsible will face justice. I am confident that stringent actions will be taken against this atrocious act,” he affirmed.

The Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stated that targeting innocent tourists and killing them is not terrorism; it is cowardice.

“This terrorist attack is utterly condemnable, and India will undoubtedly respond appropriately. I pray for peace for the souls of the innocent tourists who lost their lives in this heinous attack. During this time of sorrow, the entire nation stands with the grieving families,” he added.

He also urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to arrange for the return of Manjunath's mortal remains to the state from Shivamogga, where he was killed in the attack.

“The state government must also take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of other stranded tourists from the state,” he emphasized.

National President of BJP Yuva Morcha and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya remarked, “I’m currently in Kashmir for the PAC Meeting. I've learned from local authorities that several individuals from Karnataka were injured in the unfortunate terror attack in Pahalgam earlier today.”

“Opposition leader R. Ashoka contacted me and requested coordination with local authorities to assist our affected individuals. I have been in touch with IG, DIG South Kashmir, DC Anantnag, and the LG’s office to provide all necessary support. I will be meeting with the families shortly to offer assistance and support. The Government of India and all agencies present here are extending every possible help to those affected by this unfortunate attack,” he stated.

“I have communicated with Mrs. Pallavi, the wife of Sri Manjunath, who lost his life in the terrorist attack today. They are from Shivamogga, Karnataka. I have also spoken with other family members who were injured. Local administration has reached out to them and arranged for their safety and accommodation,” he mentioned.

I have also coordinated with the Chief Secretary of Karnataka to ensure that everyone returns home safely,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP from Shivamogga B.Y. Raghavendra and BJP MLA of Shivamogga city S.N. Channabasappa visited the family members of Manjunath, who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, to offer condolences. They assured the family of all necessary assistance to bring the body back to the state.

“The attack on innocent individuals in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is a vile act and an attempt to reignite terrorism, which every citizen must denounce,” stated former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai.

In a post on X regarding the incident, he indicated that shooting bullets in the name of religion clearly points to the involvement of anti-India forces. The central government must treat this matter with seriousness and take stringent action.

Bommai also urged the state government to make all necessary arrangements to ensure the safe return of Kannadigas living in the Kashmir Valley.

Offering condolences, he said, “May God grant strength to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.”