"The retaliation will be swift and severe": BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy slams Pahalgam terrorist strike

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 23 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a direct assault on the unity and integrity of the nation.
"They do not want Kashmir to be developed. They do not want Kashmir to be an integral part of India. These are the forces that attack," Speaking to ANI Reddy said. "The attack is on the unity and integrity of India. The world is supporting us, and the retaliation will be swift and severe."
The statement comes amid nationwide outrage following the violent assault that targeted unarmed civilians in the popular tourist destination.
In Hyderabad, ahead of the local body MLC elections, BJP GHMC corporators and ex-officio members held a symbolic protest at the Bhagyalaxmi Temple near Charminar. They offered prayers for the victims and tied black bands on their arms as a mark of condemnation against the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The government, however, has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties in the terror attack in Pahalgam.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has sent shock waves across the country, especially within the local community, which has called for a shutdown.
Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of Pahalgam Taxi Association, says, "I condemn this attack. It is not just tourists, but our livelihood, our families. We don't consider them tourists. It is as if our family members have been killed. I request that the government investigate this matter thoroughly. Pahalgam has always been peaceful, and it runs on tourism."
The business community in the Poonch district has put locks in markets while protesting and extending solidarity to the victims. They were seen shouting slogans, "Pakistan Haye Haye! Dehshatgardi band karo!".
This attack has been widely condemned by the local community. Taxi drivers in Pahalgam held a candlelight protest march against the attack in Pahalgam. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday.
Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Akhnoor and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack.
Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has been heightened since the attack, with visuals from the area showing the streets deserted in the usually bustling tourist area. Many organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh following the attack.
With the situation tense in the area, some tourists have decided to cut their trips short as well. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a briefing meeting with EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials immediately after landing in Delhi from Saudi Arabia. (ANI)