Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 15

The Himachal Vidhan Sabha today paid tributes to the martyred CRPF personnel in Kashmir and condemned the cowardly attack by militants.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur moved a resolution, offering condolences to the family of the martyrs. “Even though the militant outfits have tried to shatter the morale of the armed forces by killing 42 CRPF men our valiant soldiers will give a befitting reply to this ghastly act,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the family of CRPF jawan Tilak Raj from Jawali area of Kangra, who died in the attack. “The government will provide all possible help to the family of the bereaved who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation,” he said.

“It is Pakistan which is the mastermind of the attack and the whole nation is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who must ensure that our forces give a befitting reply,” he said. He said this was an attempt to create instability in the nation but the while nation is united in this hour of grief.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr Rajeev Bindal also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family of Tilak Raj.

Offering condolences to the martyrs, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said this was a big challenge thrown by militant outfits but the entire nation is one against such forces. “The army, para-military forces and its establishments are being continuously targeted by the military so it is essential that a befitting reply is given to such forces,” he said.

Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh also offered condolences to the families of the martyrs and said that the entire nation is one in its fight against such forces.

“The act close to Srinagar has proved that it is not just external forces but some elements within Jammu and Kashmir who are supporting the militants in this cause,” he lamented.

Other legislators including Irrigation and Public Health Minister Mahender Singh, Col Dhani Ram Shandil (retd), Col Inder Singh (retd), Rakesh Pathania, Nand Lal, Suresh Kashyap, Vikram Jaryal, Vikramaditya Singh and Ashish Butail offered condolences to the family of Tilak Raj and condemned the attack.

The Vidhan Sabha was adjourned for the day after offering condolences to the 42 bravehearts.

Candle march

Residents of Mandi district paid tributes to the bravehearts killed in Pulwama terror attack by lighting candles. Most demanded stern action against those responsible for the ghastly act. In Lahaul-Spiti, employees of the DC office also observed silence.

Cong condemns attack

• Shimla: The Congress condemned the ghastly militant attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama in which 42 soldiers lost their lives on Thursday.
• A condolence meeting was held to pay tributes to the martyrs and offer condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones. The meeting was attended by state Congress president Kuldeep Rathore, former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri, party MLAs and office bearers.
• Later, the leaders and party workers took out a silent march from the party office to The Ridge as a mark of respect for the martyrs. Earlier in the day, the Congress Legislature party (CLP) also held a meeting to condemn the cowardly attack by militants and offer condolences to the families of the martyrs.