Thiruvananthapurm, Apr 23 (UNI) Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday said the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam is 'heart-wrenching'.
"This atrocity will be etched in history as a black day. I express my sincere condolences for the victims including N. Ramachandran, a resident of Kochi and pray those injured get well soon," the senior Congress leader and former Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly said in a message.
"The incident in which 28 people were shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, is an unparalleled act of cruelty," he added.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said "I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we stand united against such acts of terror."
"This is a desperate attempt to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony in Kashmir. Targeting civilians is a heinous and unforgivable crime that will be met with unwavering resolve and justice," he said.
Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan said "Shocking to hear about the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir; multiple lives lost and injured. The ground reality in J&K is far from the picture painted by the Government. It's time for bold, effective action, not just rhetoric to truly curb terrorism."
AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal said "Deeply terrified to hear the news of a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for peace and calm to be restored at the earliest."
"There must be a zero tolerance approach to terrorism and such dastardly acts to derail peace must be condemned in the harshest of terms."
"Kashmir and its people are known for their warm hospitality, and the inherent message of Kashmiriyat, symbolising harmony and peace, is deep-rooted in its culture. Thus, such an attack strikes at the very heart of Kashmir’s ethos."
Congress leader Dr Shashi Tharoor said "While the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs is in Lakshadweep, news has just come in of the horrifying and cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir."
"I join all those who unreservedly condemn this heinous crime, which is an assault, not just on India, but on the rights of the people of Kashmir to live in peace & thrive as a premier tourist destination in our country. I strongly support the efforts of the national and state authorities to deal with the perpetrators and bring these criminals to justice."
"While connectivity is still a challenge where we are, the sketchy details we are able to receive on social media speak of outrageous atrocities, targeting specifically male tourists who were not Muslim," Tharoor said.
"I call on all my fellow citizens, irrespective of faith, to stand up against this foul attempt by Islamist terrorists to divide us in the name of religious identity. The murderers’ evil designs must not be allowed to succeed.
Jai Hind !," Tharoor added.
UNI DS CS