Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 23: Union minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and asserted that the Union government is committed to taking strong action against those responsible.

Speaking at a press conference, Joshi said, “Prime Minister Modi has implemented strict anti-terror measures nationwide, especially in the Valley, which have helped prevent major attacks since 2019. The Pahalgam incident has been taken very seriously.”

He emphasized that such attacks aim to disrupt peace and damage Jammu & Kashmir’s growing tourism sector. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, J&K has transformed into a tourism hub. The region, more scenic than Switzerland, has seen a significant increase in tourist footfall in the last five to six years,” he said.

Joshi added that peaceful elections and development in J&K have irked terrorist outfits. “These attacks are a response to India’s progress in the region.”

Addressing the safety of Kannadiga tourists in Kashmir, Joshi confirmed that three people from Karnataka were killed and two injured in the attack. He said he has been coordinating with J&K officials to ensure the safe return of all tourists from the state.

“A special flight service has been arranged to bring Kannadiga tourists back via Mumbai and Delhi. All will be safely returned home within the next two days,” he assured. The Minister also directed airlines not to inflate ticket prices during the crisis.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda expressed grief over the incident, saying, “What happened in Pahalgam has deeply disturbed me. My condolences to the bereaved families.”