Condemning the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed a condolence motion on Friday and sought a befitting reply to Pakistan.
Moving the motion, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, "Himachal is with PM. Himachal has the same sentiments which is of the entire country. HP is with the country for giving befitting reply to Pakistan for Pulwama attack."
Thakur said there is no doubt that "our neighbouring country Pakistan is behind this terrorist attack. Pakistan denied its hand but everyone knows this act has been done by none other than Pakistan."
The chief minister said, "Now this situation cannot be tolerated at all. Whatever decision the leadership at the Centre takes, Himachal will fully support that."
Announcing Rs 20 lakh as ex-gratia help to the family of slain CRPF jawan Tilak Raj from Himachal Pradesh, Thakur said he had on February 11 left home in Jawali of Kangra district to rejoin duty after leave.
Speaking on the resolution, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said the Pulwama attack was a big challenge before the country. Stating that Pakistan's role in the Pulwama attack was obvious, he said a befitting reply should be given to Pakistan.
Saying that this is the biggest terrorist attack in the recent past, he said the terrorists are now targeting our army, security forces and their camps. Earlier too, army camp was attacked in Uri sector in 2016, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikramaditya Singh said that whatever step the prime minister takes to retaliate, the entire country will be with him.
Paying his condolence, the lone CPI(M) MLA Rakesh Singha said violence could not be a solution to any problem.
Speaking on the occasion, former CM Virbhadra Singh, Ministers Mahender S Thakur, Govind Singh Thakur, Inder Singh, Dhani Ram Shandil, Suresh Kashyap, Nand Lal and Ashish Butail also paid homage to the slain CRPF jawans.
Speaker Rajiv Bindal adjourned the proceedings of the Assembly till Saturday after passing the motion supported by all the members. He also announced that Governor Acharya Devvrat had cancelled the dinner for MLAs scheduled at Raj Bhawan on Friday following the terror attack.
