Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday strongly condemned the brutal terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and called the incident a direct assault on the country’s efforts to build peace and prosperity in the region. The attack, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists, has sent shockwaves across the nation. Saha asserted that such cowardly acts only strengthen India’s collective resolve to defeat terrorism.
Dr. Saha stated that the attack was clearly aimed at derailing the ongoing development in Jammu and Kashmir and undermining the Centre’s efforts to bring normalcy back to the Valley. He said the resurgence of such targeted violence, especially against civilians, reflects the desperation of those who oppose India’s unity. He called the killing of innocent tourists a barbaric and inhuman act that has no place in a civilized society.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been committed to ensuring peace in the region. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the security forces and said that the enemies of peace will never succeed. He expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and assured them that the entire country stands with them in this moment of grief.
The incident occurred at Baisaran, a lush meadow near Pahalgam, accessible only on foot or by pony. A group of tourists was reportedly ambushed by armed militants who opened fire indiscriminately. According to sources, The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the government is yet to release an official confirmation. The site of the attack was quickly sealed, and a massive manhunt was launched by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which arrived at the scene to assist local security forces.
Dr. Saha said that the violence was not just an attack on the victims but an attempt to strike fear into the hearts of citizens across India. He maintained that the intention behind the attack was to create panic and disrupt the progress achieved in Kashmir in recent years. He added that Tripura, which has its own experience with insurgency in the past, understands the importance of unity and vigilance in the face of such threats.
The Tripura CM extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also lauded the swift response from the Centre, particularly the immediate return of Prime Minister Modi from his foreign visit to address the crisis. Dr. Saha noted that PM Modi’s leadership during such difficult times sends a powerful message that India will never tolerate terror in any form.
He appealed to political parties and citizens across the spectrum to remain united and not allow such tragedies to divide the nation. He warned against falling into the trap of polarization and said that terrorism thrives when people lose faith in democracy and unity. Dr. Saha reiterated that the only way to defeat the forces behind the attack is to remain steadfast and show that peace and justice will always prevail.
As security agencies continue their operations in Pahalgam and surrounding areas, the government has urged the public to remain calm and alert. Memorials are being planned across states to honor the victims. Leaders from across the political divide have condemned the attack, echoing the sentiment that the tragedy must become a turning point in India’s fight against terrorism.
Dr. Saha concluded his statement by saying that the pain of the victims will not be forgotten and that the people of Tripura stand in full support of their brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the path to peace may be difficult, but India’s spirit remains unbroken.
