Surat, May 3 – The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, has left the entire nation in shock. In a strong and emotional response, Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil refused to accept any formal honor during a Global Summit held in Surat, emphasizing the need for national retaliation over ceremonial gestures.
The summit, held at Avadh Utopia in Surat, witnessed the participation of prominent investors and industrialists from across the country. C.R. Patil, who was invited as the chief guest, took a firm stand when the organizers tried to felicitate him. Declining the honor, Patil stated that he would not accept any form of public recognition until those responsible for the Pahalgam attack are avenged.
Patil remarked that the current situation does not call for honors or bouquets, but for decisive action. He further stated that until he witnesses a strong response from the country, he would attend such events only as an observer and would not accept any memento or ceremonial token.
His declaration resonated deeply with those present, prompting the organizers to cancel the scheduled felicitation and limit the interaction to a group photograph as a gesture of respect for his sentiment.
The summit, which brought together key figures from the stock market and business sectors, turned into a moment of reflection on national security and collective mourning. Patil's decision to prioritize the sacrifices of the victims over public accolades underscored his strong nationalist stance.
The terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam targeted tourists and was followed by an extensive military search operation in the Basran-Khin region. Meanwhile, the central government is reportedly preparing a firm strategic response against Pakistan in light of the incident.
