TG industry condemns Pahalgam terrorism

Hyderabad: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) and other major industry bodies across Telangana have strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted innocent tourists. The attack, which took the lives of several individuals, has sparked outrage and condemnation from trade and industry leaders, who expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. These organisations also extended unwavering support to the Union Government in its pursuit of justice.

A solemn two-minute silence was observed at the beginning of a press conference held at Federation House in Red Hills, Hyderabad, to honour the victims of the attack. FTCCI President Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal expressed his condemnation, calling the act an assault on both innocent lives and the nation’s progress. “This barbaric attack is an attempt to disrupt India’s growing economy, particularly as we move towards a $5 trillion economy. We stand firmly with the Government of India and our Prime Minister in whatever actions are deemed necessary to bring the culprits to justice,” Singhal said.

K Sudhir Reddy, President of the Telangana Industrial Federation (TIF), emphasised that the attack seemed intended to derail India’s economic growth and destabilise the ongoing peace process in Jammu & Kashmir. "This is an attempt to create fear and instability, but we will not be deterred," he remarked. KK Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI, highlighted the National Stock Exchange’s gesture of donating Rs1 crore to the families of victims, underscoring the importance of solidarity in times of tragedy. Meanwhile, Anil Agarwal, representing the Steel Industry Association, stated that such attacks target not just individuals but the very fabric of India’s economy. "We cannot allow such terror to derail our growth and our future," he stressed. Shekhar Agarwal, Past President of FTCCI, voiced concern for Kashmir's tourism-dependent economy, calling on the government to ensure its protection and foster harmony in the region. "Tourism is the lifeblood of Kashmir, and the government must ensure its protection. We must foster harmony and coexistence in the region," he said.

Mohd Irshad Ahmed, Chair of FTCCI’s GST and Customs Committee, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling terrorism a threat to India’s peaceful growth. He also noted the heart-wrenching loss of a newlywed couple on their honeymoon. "Terrorism has no religion, no boundaries. It is fueled by jealousy of India’s peaceful growth," he said. Representatives from various industrial associations, including Gopal Rao of the Cherlapally Industrial Association and Narayan Reddy of the Fibreglass Industry Association, joined in the collective condemnation, urging both state and central governments to collaborate in eradicating terrorism from India.

Industry leaders such as Manoj Kumar Agrawal from CREDAI Hyderabad also called for stronger anti-terrorism laws, drawing parallels with successful strategies from nations like Dubai and Singapore. "We need stringent laws like the POSCO Act to prevent such incidents. Measures such as sealing borders, banning visas, and fast-tracking terrorism-related cases are essential to combat this growing threat," he said.

The conference concluded with a powerful statement from Sujatha, Deputy CEO of FTCCI, who emphasised the importance of unity and determination in safeguarding India’s core values.