Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cut short her US and Peru visit after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Her return aims to be with the Indian people during this tragic time. The attack has sparked outrage, leading to protests and candlelight vigils across the country, while government agencies coordinate a response to the perpetrators.
In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman has interrupted her official trip to the US and Peru. Her decision reflects a commitment to be with her fellow citizens during this difficult time. The Ministry of Finance announced she would return to India on the earliest flight available.
Sitharaman’s official visit commenced on April 20 and she was scheduled to attend various international financial meetings, including the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank from April 22 to 25. Additionally, she was set to have bilateral discussions with finance ministers from multiple countries and officials from international institutions, reflecting her active engagement in global economic dialogues.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Sitharaman condemned the violence, expressing her sorrow and extending condolences to the victims’ families. She reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiments, promising that those responsible for the attack would face justice and reaffirming India’s resolve against terrorism, stating, “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah subsequently chaired a high-level security meeting to address the aftermath of the attack, stressing that the culprits will not evade accountability. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched search operations to locate those involved in the incident, while extra vigilance has been instructed at various tourist destinations across India.
The attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam has incited widespread indignation nationwide, leading to candlelight marches and protests by local residents and political leaders condemning the violence. Such community responses highlight the collective grief and determination to stand against terrorism in the region.
The abrupt ending of Nirmala Sitharaman’s international visit underscores the government’s resolve to prioritize national unity and response amidst tragic events. The rational swift response from both finance and home ministries emphasizes a strong stance against terrorism. With ongoing operations to apprehend attackers and public demonstrations of solidarity, the situation reflects India’s commitment to both security and communal resilience.
Original Source: theprint.in
