Strong sentiment across India to avenge Pahalgam terror attack, says Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar. File pic

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday expressed the collective anger and grief that has gripped the nation in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including six from Maharashtra. He stated that there is a strong sentiment across the country to avenge this cowardly act, and he expressed confidence that the Indian Army would take decisive action against those responsible.

At an event organised by the state public health department in Pune, Pawar paid tribute to the victims of the attack, emphasising the tragic loss of innocent lives, including tourists. He said, "We have paid our respects to the 27 people who lost their lives, including six from Maharashtra. This attack has evoked a strong sense of anger across the country, and there is a widespread sentiment that it must be avenged."

As per PTI, Pawar noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already taken strong diplomatic measures in response to the attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. "The Prime Minister has made some key decisions, such as halting water supplies to Pakistan, and severing all ties with them," Pawar said, further reiterating that the terror attack, which targeted innocent tourists, was a "cowardly act" that had been universally condemned.

Pawar expressed his belief that India's military would not hesitate to take swift and decisive action against those responsible. "I have no doubt that the Indian Army will eliminate those behind this heinous act," he added, reflecting the national resolve to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The attack, which took place on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while several others were injured. The victims were mostly tourists who had gathered in the popular tourist hub of Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty.

In response to the attack, the Indian government has announced several diplomatic actions. These include suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, and issuing a 40-hour deadline for Pakistani diplomats to leave India. Additionally, the number of diplomatic staff at the High Commissions in both countries has been reduced. The government has also placed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance with immediate effect, as confirmed by PTI reports.

Meanwhile, India's Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, is scheduled to visit Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation following the attack. The visit highlights the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the region.

The Pahalgam attack has sparked widespread protests across the country, with calls for stricter action against Pakistan and for measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As per PTI, the anger and outrage surrounding the attack have been palpable, and the Indian public continues to demand justice for the victims.

As the nation mourns, there is a collective resolve that such acts of terrorism must never be repeated, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.