KATRA: PM Narendra Modi on Friday sought to rally people of Jammu and Kashmir against terrorism, saying Pakistan targeted the UT’s tourism industry to cripple the livelihood of poor Kashmiris and accused the hostile neigbour of attacking both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam, where terrorists had killed 25 tourists.Addressing a public gathering after flagging off two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, and launching other development projects, he said, “Our neighbouring country is against humanity, against harmony, against tourism… Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. Their intention was to incite communal riots in India…” Addressing his first public meeting in J&K after the Pahalgam massacre and Operation Sindoor, Modi said Pakistan’s deliberate attack on tourists hurt local workers, including horse riders, porters, guides, guest house owners, and shopkeepers, aiming to destroy their livelihoods. “Terrorists also killed Adil, (pony ride operator) who challenged them. He too had gone there to work hard to take care of his family,” Modi said.Modi said the hostile neighbour carried out brutal attacks, which the world witnessed, when it destroyed homes, bombed schools and hospitals, and shelled temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. He lauded the resilience of the people of J&K. “The youth of J&K have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism, which burnt schools in the Valley and destroyed the future of two generations. Due to terrorism it also became a big challenge for the public to choose representatives of their choice and hold elections,” he said.“The atmosphere of development which has been created in J&K is not going to halt due to the Pahalgam terror attack. If anyone tries to create an obstruction in the way of the youth fulfilling their dreams, then that obstacle will have to face Modi first,” the PM said.He recalled that exactly one month ago, on the intervening night of May 6-7, India had executed Operation Sindoor, delivering a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terrorists and terror camps. “Whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its humiliating defeat,” he said.
