New Delhi: Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on Saturday made a striking statement at the Global Investor Conference, refusing to accept a bouquet or memento, saying he would not accept any symbol of welcome until justice is served for the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. “No welcome till there is revenge,” Patil reportedly said in Gujarati, as he declined a ceremonial bouquet and a proposed memento on stage.
Patil, who greeted attendees with folded hands, received applause for his resolute stand. Businessman Ashok Mehta, who attended the event, confirmed to that Patil expressed the same sentiment off-stage as well. Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed and several injured in Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
The government has vowed a strong response, with full operational freedom granted to the armed forces to determine the timing and nature of the retaliation. Cross-border links to the attack have been identified, and steps like suspending the Indus Water Treaty are being taken to pressure Pakistan over its support for terrorism.
