Pulwama attack: Grief, anger sweeps Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The killing of a large number of para military personnel in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir sent a wave of grief across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana as people from different walks of life took to the streets, held candle light vigil, prayer meetings and protest demonstrations.

Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from Hyderabad Group Centre took out a protest march at Necklace Road in Hyderabad describing the day of the attack- Feb 14- as a “Black Day”.

49 personnel of CRPF were killed in a suicide attack in Pulwama district of Kashmir.

Clad in their uniform the men and women of CRPF and the Rapid Action Force took out a procession holding placards condemning the attack and vowing to continue their fight against terrorism and to serve the nation. A large number of civilians also joined them in the demonstration.

A large number of citizens from the old city of Hyderabad also gathered at the historic Charminar with candle in their hands to pay their tributes to the victims of the attack.

Similar demonstrations were also held at other major centers in Telangana including Warangal, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad and Nizamabad. Rallies were also taken out at Medchal and LB Nagar with the participants holding the photographs of the Jawans who died in the attack.

Meanwhile special prayers were organised at the Bhadrachalam temple on Saturday for the peace of the slain soldiers. The program was organised by the Chief Executive Officer of the ancient Ram temple. He announced that the temple employees were donating their one day salary to the fund to help the families of the Jawans.

Telugu film star Vijay Devarkond also announced a contribution to the “Brave Hearts” fund of Union Home Ministry to help the families of the victims.

Without disclosing the amount of contribution the actor said, “They are protecting our families. At a time of such a tragedy we all should stand with the families of the jawans”, he said.

Meanwhile the government of Andhra Pradesh has announced an ex gratia of Rs500,000 each to the families of the paramilitary jawans who died in terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The entire nation is grieving the loss of the brave CRPF Jawans. In their saddest hour, we stand by the bereaved families”, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said.

“All the condolences and words of solace are not enough to compensate for the irreplaceable loss and immeasurable pain caused by Pulwama attack”, he said.

Andhra Pradesh government will stand with the central government in whatever measure it takes to put an end to terrorism, he said.

He also called upon the Centre and the state governments to take measures to ensure such incidents don’t recur. He also asked the people to stand with the families of the jawans and extend all the possible help to them.