Synopsis
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized India's readiness for retaliation against the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, offering condolences to the victims' families and reaffirming the government's commitment to combat terrorism.Key Takeaways
- India is prepared to retaliate against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi paid respect to victim Manjunath Rao.
- The government is taking strict actions against terrorists.
- Tourism in Kashmir has significantly increased, promoting peace.
- Unity in confronting terrorism is essential for all Indians.
Shivamogga (Karnataka), April 24 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi declared on Thursday that India is completely prepared to deliver a strong response to the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist incident targeting innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Minister Joshi offered floral tributes and expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Central government to the family of Manjunath Rao, a prominent entrepreneur from Shivamogga, who tragically lost his life in the attack. He assured that the government and the nation stand united with the grieving family during this difficult time.
He paid his final respects through a floral tribute to Manjunath Rao's mortal remains. Offering condolences to Manjunath’s wife Pallavi and his mother, Joshi reiterated the commitment of the Central government and the entire nation to support them.
He prayed for eternal peace for Manjunath’s soul and strength for the bereaved family.
As Manjunath Rao's body was brought back to Shivamogga, chants of “Down with Pakistan”, ‘Pakistan murdabad’ and “Amar Rahe Manjunath Rao” resonated from the assembled crowd.
Joshi stated that terrorists, influenced by Pakistan, have attempted to disrupt the peace and stability that have been cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
“India will guarantee strict retribution,” he emphasized.
The Pahalgam attack claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga. “India will not tolerate such barbarity. The perpetrators of this despicable act will face justice. Those responsible for the suffering and loss inflicted upon our citizens will be dealt with harshly,” Joshi added.
Minister Joshi stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government is dedicated to eliminating terrorism.
He stated that the Pakistani terrorists responsible for targeting innocent lives in Pahalgam will be decisively defeated. “No one involved in this cowardly act will escape consequences. The Central government has already initiated diplomatic measures and made five critical decisions in this regard,” he disclosed.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the terrorist threat. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have visited Pahalgam to evaluate the situation and ensure the safety of tourists. They are ensuring the bodies of the deceased are returned to their families, Joshi mentioned.
In recent years, terrorist activities have significantly decreased across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the efforts of the Modi-led government. “However, terrorists supported by Pakistan have resurfaced. The Indian government is determined to dismantle this threat. The entire nation must unite to confront terrorism,” Joshi conveyed a powerful message.
“We must transcend political, caste, and religious differences to combat this menace of terrorism. Every Indian needs to come together to eradicate such activities,” he urged.
Joshi highlighted that tourism in the Kashmir Valley has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with annual tourist numbers rising from 5-6 lakh to over one crore now. This surge in tourism has revitalized the region’s economy and provided livelihoods to many while fostering peace and unity. “This progress has attracted the malevolent attention of terrorists who, encouraged by Pakistan, have sought to disrupt this harmony,” he remarked.
BJP MP B.Y. Raghavendra, accompanied by Shivamogga district BJP officials, leaders, workers, and close friends of Manjunath Rao, paid their final respects.
The valor displayed by Manjunath Rao’s wife, Pallavi, and their 18-year-old son Abhijeya, in confronting the terrorists and urging them to take their lives as well, has become a national story.
Pallavi recounted that both she and her son boldly confronted the terrorist, pleading to be killed alongside Manjunath.
However, the terrorist allegedly told them he would spare them and instead instructed them to inform Prime Minister Modi about the attack.
Pallavi shared after the incident, “We are in Pahalgam, and my husband died right before my eyes. I couldn’t cry or react -- I was in shock.”
“I noticed that there were three to four attackers. After my husband was killed, I faced one of the terrorists and said, ‘Mere pati ko mara hai na, mujhe bhi maaro’ (You’ve killed my husband, kill me too). My son also confronted him and said, ‘Kutte, mere papa ko maara, humein bhi maar daalo’ (You dog, you killed my father, kill us too),” she recounted.
“The terrorist replied, ‘Nahin marenge. Tum Modi ko jaake bolo’ (I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi),” Pallavi stated.
Describing the incident further, she explained, “The terrorists were directly in front of us. They were not in military uniforms. Most of the men were targeted. There were many newlywed couples, and in most cases, only the husbands were attacked while women and others were spared. Hindus were specifically targeted. About 500 tourists were present.”
