Pawan Kalyan blames J&K govt for terror attack

Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief K Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday blamed the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on the transfer of power from President’s rule to the State government, asserting that the region was peaceful until that shift occurred.

Participating in a condolence meeting organized by JSP in Mangalagiri to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack, Pawan Kalyan also announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the family of Madhusudhan, a Telugu youth who was among those killed.

Slamming the perpetrators, he said, “Terrorists hunted down tourists like animals, asking for ID cards to identify Hindus and Muslims before killing innocent civilians.” He said the tourists had gone to Kashmir with faith in the country’s security, and such a tragedy was unacceptable.

Calling for a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, he added, “This incident proves the dangers of misplaced mercy. There should be no room for terrorists. We must eradicate terrorism completely.”

Pawan also targeted what he called pro-Pakistan voices within India, saying, “Those who speak for Pakistan while living here should leave. Kashmir is an integral part of India — it was, is, and will always be.”

Referring to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and past wars with Pakistan, he said the country had repeatedly overcome aggression and would do so again. “Too much tolerance is dangerous. Hindus have only one country, and if they’re not safe here, where else can they go?” he asked.

Reaffirming the national outlook of the Jana Sena Party, Pawan said, “Though we are rooted in Telugu States, our policy is for the nation.” He expressed deep sorrow for the victims of the attack and said the party would stand by the families. “If we die for the country, it has meaning,” he said, referring to Madhusudhan’s sacrifice. Minister Nadendla Manohar and other party leaders were present at the event.