Y. Patton and others at the candlelight service in Kohima on April 29. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 29
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland state today organised a candlelight tribute at BJP head office Kohima in memory of the victims of Pahalgam.
Addressing the gathering, BLP Leader and Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton said that the Pahalgam terrorist attack occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmir, Anantnag district killing 26 people and injuring about 20 others by armed militants.
The NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “is very serious over this incident and has committed to tackle the perpetrators with a strong hand,” he said.
The victims included 25 Indian tourist including Indian government officials from Indian Air Force & Indian Navy.
“This attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. The attack has affected tourism in the region with many visitors leaving Jammu and Kashmir,” Patton said.
“As we come together this evening in order to pay Candlelight Tribute in memory of the victims of Pahalgam attack, we condemn terrorism with the strongest term and rally behind the stance of the Prime Minister of India,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Strongly condemning the horrific terror attack, he said “This act of violence is not just an assault on the innocent but an attack on peace, unity and the values we hold as a nation.”
We do strongly advocate that there is no place for terrorism wherever it may be, he said and called upon every peace loving citizens to vehemently condemn any acts of terrorism.
Conveying his deepest condolences and sympathy to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy, Patton said “We stand with them in this hour of grief and sorrow. I do pray for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured. Let there be no doubt that those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice and terror will never be allowed to triumph.”
In solidarity message, Er.Kropol Vitsu, Nagaland state BJP vice president and advisor Prisons and Printing & Stationery said that the whole world is condemning this very heinous crime.
“This is a crime against humanity. This very crime is considered as one of the highest degree of crime committed in India so far,” Er. Vitsu said.
Nagaland’s information & public relations and water conservation advisor Imkong L. Imchen also spoke at the programme.
The programme was led by Nagaland State BJP chief spokesperson Thomas Magh while A. Libonthung Yanthan, Pastor, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church pronounced solidarity prayer.
