Wipe out terrorism
Immediately after the heinous and blood curdling terror attack on innocent tourists, Kashmir valley observed a shutdown against the same for the first time in 35 years. Political parties and organisations from all walks of life and the people supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam.
The shutdown observed is a symbolic display of collective grief and protest against the deadly terrorist attack and truly shows the unity and solidarity of the people. It also goes to show that the people want peace and it is only through peace that progress and prosperity can come. It's truly a powerful message of unity and resilience in the face of violence, as Kashmiri's mourn the loss of innocent lives and reaffirm their collective stand against terrorism.
The state no doubt has seen a lot of progress in the past few years and with normalcy returning there was an enhancement of tourism infrastructure, job creation and along with this a lot of development taking place in the transportation and other sectors resulting in an economic boost like never before.
Progress puts an end to poverty, unemployment and evils like radicalism and extremism. This what would have made anti national agencies and foreign powered terror working cells to attack civilians and create panic and fear. These agents of chaos, blood shed and death - both alien and domestic need to be tracked and completely wiped out for only in their elimination can this beautiful paradise on earth reassure the people of the state and it's guests that it is indeed a paradise. At this time of grief, it's the duty of all Indians - irrespective of religion, region and any political affiliation to stay United and swear to wipe out terrorism.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Need to stand up
against Pakistan
India on Wednesday has announced a series of strong diplomatic measures against Pakistan which include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Wagah-Attari border and cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgan terror attack that claimed 26 lives on Tuesday afternoon.
I still do feel that the attack which took place on Tuesday in Kashmir was due to intelligence failure and the Indian government alone should be held accountable for the same.
When Israel can strike Hamas in a jiffy, what is stopping the Government of India from striking Pakistan in a similar manner to defend our sovereignty?
It's time we stand up against Pakistan because if we don't react now then that we will definitely continue to bleed us forever.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Massacre? But the
show must go on
It has been less than 48 hours since terrorists killed 28 Indians in Kashmir; there is hurt, pain and anger in every countryman's heart. Those murdered include a newlywed Naval Officer, a businessman from Kanpur, a resident of Bengaluru on vacation with his wife and their son, an intelligence bureau officer serving the nation, an NCO of the Indian Air Force hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, and many others.
But it is business as usual for BCCI, the IPL circus continues, hey !! the show must go on. Dream 11 is back to nudge you place bets.We can still understand poor people trying to eke out a living, but BCCI which earned $2.2 billion last year represents India. Couldn’t it have shown solidarity and compassion for the deceased by putting on hold cricket matches for a single day?
This is beyond nauseating, our deshbhakti stops where business starts, our sympathy ends when Mammon talks. From clubbing to filling cricket stadiums, we are back to who we really are - insensitive, pitiless money worshippers. A mass murder doesn't matter, it's just a speck of dust to be casually flicked away from our carefully creased jacket sleeves.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
Need to be proactive
in combating terror
Terrorists opened fire at Pahalgam in Kashmir killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is considered as the deadliest attack in the valley since the Pulwana strike in 2019. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to target tourists, including foreign tourists in order to gain international attention. The timing, choice of target, and the manner in which the attack was carried out suggest strategic objectives that its planners had in mind.
The attack also comes at a time when the US Vice President JD Vance and his family are vacationing in India. It is learnt that following the Pahalgam terror attack, security has been tightened in Goa. Since terrorists have been targeting tourist destinations in the country, the threat to Goa which is a tourist destination cannot be taken lightly. It may be recalled that in 2000, a series of bombings were carried out inside churches in Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh by the Islamist extremist group Deendar Anjuman.
On June 9 in the same year, a bomb exploded at St Andrew's church in Vasco. Tourism and tourists are under the permanent threat of terrorism which also has an impact on the economy of the region. After a terrorist attack, it is observed the security is heightened across the country. This happened after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai in 2008. The security was then gradually downsized. We need to be proactive and not reactive in preventing terror attacks.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco