Mumbai: A devastating terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including tourists, an intelligence officer and four men from Maharashtra. Among the deceased were three residents of Thane's Dombivli and one elderly man from Panvel in Navi Mumbai. The victims were identified as Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi and Sanjay Lele from Dombivli and Dilip Desale from Panvel. All were on vacation with their families.
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack
In response to the brutal killings, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray issued a scathing condemnation of the attack. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Thackeray not only paid tribute to the deceased but also urged the Central Government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. “The attackers must be punished in a way that their next ten generations remember the consequences,” he wrote.
Thackeray cited the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, drawing a parallel to Israel's swift and decisive retaliation against the perpetrators. "In 1972, during the Munich Olympics, Palestinian terrorists attacked Israeli athletes... After that, Israel killed those terrorists and the masterminds of this attack, in such a way that terror was instilled in the minds of the Palestinian people for quite a long time," said Thackeray.
“India and Israel share strong diplomatic ties. We expect our government to follow the Israeli model and eliminate not just the terrorists, but every single person who supports them,” he further added.
Raj Thackeray's Stern Warning
He also expressed concern about the attackers allegedly questioning the religion of their targets before opening fire. “Is this your cowardice?” Thackeray asked. “If anyone dares to attack Hindus in this country, we will all rise together to resist,” he said.
He further warned that such attacks could deter tourism and investment in Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 had begun to bring stability to the region. “Who will buy land or start businesses there if such attacks persist?” he questioned.
The MNS chief concluded by expressing confidence in the Central Government’s resolve and assured complete support from his party. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the government will take strong action. MNS will stand firmly behind them,” Thackeray declared.
The attack, believed to be the deadliest in the valley since Pulwama in 2019, has sent shockwaves across the nation. According to preliminary reports, terrorists, allegedly disguised in police uniforms, opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists at a popular meadow near Pahalgam, resulting in death of 26 people. Witnesses allege the assailants asked the victims’ names and religious identity before shooting. The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy terror outfit, claimed responsibility.
