Take Immediate Action: K'taka Home Minister on Pahalgam Attack
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Synopsis
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has called for immediate action from the central government following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. He emphasized the need for national security above political affiliations.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Home Minister urges swift central government action.
- Attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, including two from Karnataka.
- Political affiliations should not interfere with national security.
- Concerns raised about possible internal collusion in the attack.
- Calls for immediate punishment for the perpetrators.
Bengaluru, April 23 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday urged the central government to take swift action in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, “The central government must act decisively and ruthlessly. This is a matter concerning our nation and our communities. Additional measures need to be implemented to ensure such incidents do not recur. These are my demands to the Centre.”
He stressed that national security should rise above political differences. “This is not about the Congress, the BJP, or any political party. It is a question of national interest and the safety of our citizens. Political point-scoring is inappropriate at a time like this.”
Parameshwara also raised concerns regarding potential internal collusion in the attack. “Whether local support was involved or not, it must be thoroughly examined and addressed strictly,” he said.
He added, “I profoundly condemn this act of terror in Kashmir. I pray for the souls of the 26 victims and extend my heartfelt condolences to their families. Among them were two individuals from Karnataka. What’s deeply troubling is our belief that our military intelligence was capable and robust.”
He acknowledged that while intelligence agencies have performed well in many situations, the failure in this case was glaring. “How did these terrorists manage to infiltrate? Where did they come from? These are serious questions that the central government must address urgently.”
Parameshwara remarked that this was the most severe attack since the Pulwama incident. “There have been sporadic incidents and casualties among our forces, but nothing on this scale in recent times.”
He alleged that the attackers specifically targeted Hindu tourists. “We have information that the assailants informed victims they were being killed because they were Hindus. This is both shocking and alarming. Similar targeting has occurred in the past as well.”
Calling for a robust response, he stated, “Those responsible must be identified and punished without delay. The government must treat this matter with utmost seriousness and respond with the full force of the state.”
On intelligence failures, Parameshwara mentioned, “When intelligence fails, security lapses follow. The terrorists seem to have evaded surveillance, indicating a severe breach.”
Describing the brutality of the attack, he said, “The terrorists exhibited unimaginable cruelty, allegedly forcing victims to strip and subjecting them to inhumane treatment. This level of barbarity is unprecedented. The Centre must act with urgency.”
He informed that the Karnataka government was already taking action. “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dispatched a team led by Minister Santosh Lad to Kashmir. We will ensure full support to all affected tourists from Karnataka.”
In response to a question, Parameshwara said, “If I wanted to blame the BJP, I would have said so directly. But this is not the time for the blame game. We must rise above politics and act unitedly in the nation’s interest.”
