The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was adjourned for the day to pay tributes to the martyrs of Pulwama terror attack. The Himachal Assembly condemned the brutal incident in strongest words and extended support to the Central government to give a “befitting reply” to the attack.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur moved a condolence motion and said the 42 CRPF jawans made a supreme sacrifice for the nation. He said though Pakistan had denied any hand in it, it appeared the country had a clear involvement in the brutal attack.

“A meeting is being chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in Delhi. The entire country is angry and is unequivocal in stressing that there should be strict action against Pakistan. I also express my feelings and the entire state is rock solid with the Prime Minister at this moment,” he said.

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Thakur said the country’s leadership was capable of taking the decision.

The CM said one of the martyrs, Tilak Raj (30), was from Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. “While the entire state and the government is with his family in this hour of pain and sorrow, the government announces Rs 20 lakh for them as ex gratia relief,” he said.

Tilak Raj is survived by his wife and two sons. While the elder son is 2 years old, the younger was born just 30 days ago.

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Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said there had been efforts to destabilise the country repeatedly and it was time that the Central government took serious steps to improve the security. He said the terrorist action needed a befitting reply.

Several members of the House expressed their anguish and pain over the terror attack and paid tributes to the martyrs. They called for taking strong steps, including dialogue, to resolve the issue.

Speaker Dr Rajiv Bindal also paid tributes to the martyrs and said the central leadership was capable of handling the issue with the support of countrymen, “who are angry and pained at the moment”.

Later, the CM moved a resolution to adjourn the Assembly as a mark of respect for the martyred soldiers, which was supported by the leader of the Opposition.