In a solemn tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, led by Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, offered prayers today at Shri Hanuman Mandir, Phase 3B2, Mohali. The gathering aimed to express solidarity with the grieving families and pray for peace for the departed souls.
Speaking to media after the ceremony, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal condemned the attack, calling it a "rarest of the rare crime against humanity" committed under the guise of religious hatred. He emphasized the urgent need to identify and punish the nefarious forces behind such terror acts.
“The heinous attack on innocent tourists clearly indicates the involvement of elements opposed to peace and stability in the valley,” he said. “This incident also exposes lapses in security arrangements at the site, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards for civilians and tourists.”
While refraining from indulging in a blame game, the Minister urged the Central Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the lapses that allowed terrorists to carry out such a brutal act. “India possesses a robust military strength, yet such repeated massacres demand a strong and decisive retaliation,” he added.
Minister Goyal acknowledged the immediate response by the Union Government but stressed the need for more comprehensive measures to restore public confidence and ensure such incidents are not repeated. “The time has come to present a united front and demonstrate the strength of a united India to deter enemies of peace,” he asserted.
He further noted that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has already condemned the barbaric, cowardly, and inhuman act. The state has shown solidarity through candle marches and prayer meetings across various regions.
Recognizing Punjab’s proximity to Jammu & Kashmir and its status as a border state, Minister Goyal assured that the government has taken the incident seriously and intensified security measures to protect citizens.
The Minister was accompanied by AAP Chief Spokesperson Neel Garg, District Planning Committee Chairperson and District President of AAP Prabhjot Kaur, along with other local party leaders.