"Strong decision has to be taken by the PM": Himachal Minister after Pahalgam attack

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 28 (ANI): In the wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has strongly called for decisive action by the Union Government.
Speaking to ANI, Singh emphasised that the fight against terrorism is above politics and directly linked to India's internal security.
"This is not a political issue. It concerns the internal security of our country," Singh said, stressing that all parties, including the Congress and the Opposition, are united with the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this matter.
"The Congress Working Committee also discussed this and conveyed that the Congress leadership, as well as other opposition parties, stand firmly with the government and our respected Prime Minister. We fully support whatever decisions the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Security take. We also stand by our security and intelligence agencies, including the NIA," he said.
Singh noted the anger among the people following the Pahalgam incident, particularly highlighting concerns about a significant intelligence failure.
"There was a large number of tourists at Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam. Despite this, intelligence agencies failed to detect the terrorist activity. This is a serious concern," he remarked.
He pointed out that since the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation, the failure must be scrutinised carefully.
"Nevertheless, I reiterate that this is an issue of national security, and no politics should be played over it. The entire nation -- 1.4 billion Indians -- and the 7 million people of Himachal Pradesh are united on this matter," Singh said.
He emphasised the need for "decisive and strong action" against the terrorists. "Whether it is diplomatic or aggressive, a cohesive and strong decision must be taken by the Prime Minister," he said.
Singh further blamed Pakistan for its role in the Pahalgam attack, accusing it of direct involvement through its military and ISI.
"It is no coincidence that two days before the incident, Pakistan's Army Chief General Munir gave an inflammatory speech. And two days later, such an attack happens in Jammu and Kashmir, while our Prime Minister is abroad visiting Saudi Arabia and the US Vice President is visiting India," he said.
Singh described the attack as a deliberate attempt by terrorists to send a message to India and the world.
He welcomed the government's recent decisions, including the suspension of discussions related to the Indus Waters Treaty, cancellation of tourist and SAARC visas, and the directive for Pakistani nationals to leave India by April 30.
"These are welcome steps," Singh said, but insisted that "a tougher message must be sent to Pakistan so that such incidents do not occur in the future."
Calling for international cooperation, Singh said India must build a strong diplomatic offensive across major world powers.
"Diplomatic channels must be opened with countries like China, the United States, and European nations. International support is crucial for India. Terrorism is not limited to India alone; it is affecting France, London, America, and the whole world knows these are Islamic terrorists," he said.
Singh emphasised that global solidarity against Islamic terrorism is essential. "India must gain international support for any action it takes," he stated.
On the security situation within Himachal Pradesh, Singh informed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the Home portfolio, has been actively reviewing internal security.
"The state DGP, CID, and intelligence agencies are taking inputs, especially in border districts like Chamba, which shares boundaries with Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district," he said.
Singh assured that the government would strengthen security measures to prevent any terror infiltration.
He also criticised the BJP leadership in Himachal Pradesh for continuing political celebrations despite the national mourning.
"While the entire country is mourning, BJP leaders attending party functions send a wrong message to the people," Singh remarked, adding, "Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and BJP state president Rajeev Bindal must answer for this."
On a separate question regarding the installation of a statue of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya Singh clarified that the project is being managed by a trust.
"It was decided that the statue installed on the bridge would be placed by a trust. If the government wants to help, we welcome it," he said.
"I have already thanked the Chief Minister for his cooperation. Virbhadra Singh served as Chief Minister six times, and government support in this initiative is commendable," he added. (ANI)