An Interfaith Harmony Meeting convened at Raj Bhavan under the chairmanship of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. The meeting witnessed the participation of representatives from various religious communities. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that Pakistan has always harboured and promoted terrorism, citing that even the Pakistani Army participates in funerals of terrorists and expresses condolences. While its ministers irresponsibly endorse extremist activities.
He condemned the incident of 22nd April as highly deplorable that forced India to act decisively to dismantle terrorist hideouts in retaliation. He said that Pakistan, instead of restraining itself, committed a grave violation by attacking civilians across the international border, targeting border villages as well as places of worship including temples and gurudwaras.
He said that such actions expose the real face of terrorism and the ideology behind it. In this context, the Governor underlined the significance of the Interfaith Harmony Meeting, and there was the need to reinforce unity, mutual coexistence and communal harmony. He said that the entire nation stands united against Pakistan’s provocation and attempts to disrupt peace along the Line of Control.
The Governor urged all religious leaders and communities to collectively condemn divisive propaganda instigated by Pakistan and to remain vigilant against misinformation being spread through social media platforms. He stressed that no force can weaken the unity and integrity of India and that public awareness must be strengthened through collective efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that whenever the country or its cultural fabric has threatened, Indians have never hesitated to sacrifice for the nation. He said that India’s rich heritage of religious diversity and unity and faith collectively contribute to the strength and solidarity if the nation.
He reiterated that irrespective of political affiliations, the entire nation and opposition stand firmly with the government in times of national crisis. Expressing full confidence in the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, the Chief Minister said the nation was assured that the enemy would be given a befitting response.
Urging citizens to avoid falling prey to misleading content on social media, the Chief Minister reminded everyone of India’s humane values. He said that Indian forces have not targeted Pakistani civilians, which reflects the country’s commitment to peace and humanitarian principles.
He appealed to the people to adhere to guidelines issued by the Government of India and the State Government, including the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been rolled out. Representatives from various religions also expressed their solidarity and shared their views on the occasion.
MLA Vivek Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surender Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma, Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma, Secretary to Governor C.P Verma, Additional DGP Ajay Yadav, senior officials from ARTRAC and other senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.
