Bengaluru, Apr 23 (UNI) Karnataka Minister MB Patil condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that it was not about religion and emphasising that "terrorists have no caste or creed," while calling for decisive action against the perpetrators and clarifying that the local population had no involvement.

"This is not about religion. Terrorists have no caste or creed. They must be dealt with harshly. The locals were living peacefully, conducting their businesses. They did not support this terror act," he told reporters here.

Patil also demanded the reinstatement of security forces in the region, calling for urgent measures to strengthen defences. "The security forces must be reinstated, the terrorists' hideouts must be identified, and they should be shot," he declared, urging the government to take ruthless action against those responsible.

On the potential involvement of Pakistan, Patil called for international pressure. "If Pakistan is involved, pressure must be mounted at the international level to isolate and corner them. We must ensure firm action is taken against Pakistan," he asserted.

Patil also underscored the need for swift justice, stating, "Victims from any state are still victims. Justice must be done for all people who were killed. These elements must be dealt with firmly." He called for the deployment of additional armed forces and said terrorists must face justice, even if it means execution.

The minister concluded by highlighting the importance of securing Kashmir’s borders and infiltration points, stressing that the government must act now to prevent further loss of life. “Compensation will be provided, but the lives lost cannot be brought back,” Patil said.

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