Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga

Shivamogga, Apr 24: In Shivamogga on April 24, Union Minister Pralhad?Joshi paid his respects to entrepreneur Manjunath Rao—one of the 26 civilians killed in the Pakistan backed Pahalgam terror attack—and pledged that India would deliver “strict retribution” against those responsible.

At Manjunath’s funeral, Joshi offered floral tributes and extended the government’s condolences to his wife, Pallavi, and his mother, promising that the nation stands firmly with them in their grief. As Rao’s remains arrived, mourners chanted “Down with Pakistan,” “Pakistan murdabad,” and “Amar Rahe Manjunath Rao.”

Joshi denounced the assault as a Pakistan instigated attempt to shatter the peace restored in Jammu and Kashmir. “India cannot tolerate such brutality,” he declared. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we are committed to eradicating terrorism. Those who planned and executed this cowardly act will not go unpunished.”

He highlighted India’s swift diplomatic and strategic responses—including PM Modi’s abrupt return from Saudi Arabia and visits by Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Pahalgam—and reaffirmed five key measures the central government has taken to safeguard citizens.

Emphasizing national unity, Joshi urged Indians to rise above party lines, caste, and creed: “We must stand together to confront this scourge of terrorism.” He reminded the crowd that Kashmir tourism had surged from 500,000–600,000 annual visitors to over 10 million, rejuvenating local livelihoods—and warned that terrorists aimed to derail that progress.

He saluted the bravery of Manjunath’s wife and their 18 year old son, Abhijeya, who, in the face of the attackers, implored the gunmen to kill them as well. “After killing my husband, one terrorist said, ‘I won’t kill you—go tell Modi,’” Pallavi later recounted, her voice still trembling. Their courage, Joshi said, epitomizes the resilience of every Indian family confronting terror.