Gloom, anger in Kangra village; Himachal Assembly adjourned after paying homage

Shimla: Shock, gloom and anger gripped Jawali area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh-- also known as 'Veer Bhumi" with hundreds and men and women reaching-out family of Tilak Raj, a 30-year old CRPF jawan, who was among paramilitary personnel martyred in the terror attack at Pulwama on Thursday.

Tilak Raj had returned from home on February 11, after his leave, to join his duty in Kashmir valley. He leaves behind his wife Savitri Devi, two sons, one of them just 20 days old, and other two-year.

"I wish I can send my second son to the force. I am proud of my son's sacrifice for the nation. But, I want Pakistan to be given a befitting reply," said bereaved father Laik Ram as Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur spoke to him this morning oover phone.

Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha suspended Friday's business, to pay homage to Tilak Raj, beside 42 jawans martyred at Pulwama. The House was adjourned for the day after MLAs, cutting across party lines, extending full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give a 'befitting answer" to Pakistan.

Chief Minister moving a resolution to pay homage to the jawans, said "The attack on the CRPF has shaken the nation. It's attempt to demoralise the forces protecting the country's borders."

He announced Rs 20 lakh ex gratia relief for the family of Tilak Raj and assured all help to them.

Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said this attack is much bigger and deadlier than Uri and clearly a step to destabilise the nation. What worries more than those men and jawans fighting the anti-India forces have themselves become targets.

Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the attack has left the nation shocked more so that it happened not close to borders but on National Highway. His MLA son Vikramadiya Singh said country stand with Prime Minister Modi to act appropriately against Pakistan.w

Minister for Sainik welfare Mohinder Singh, a recalled being part of army action in 1971 war said he was ready to serve the army if needed so fight the designs of Pakistan in a direct action.

Speaker Dr Rajiv Bindal said it's a moment filled with anger and anguish but the country trusts its leadership, which was capable of handling the issue with the support of countrymen.

Col (rtd) Dhani Ram Shandil, a former Congress minister, Col (Rtd) Inder Singh, Suresh Kashyap, who had served with Indian Air force, Bikram Jaryal (BJP), ex-servicemen, Nand Lal (Congress ),who had served in SPG and Rakesh Pathania (BJP)—who comes from army family backround, paid homage and demanded appropriate action against Pakistan.

The villagers of Dhewa recall Tilak Raj as a famous folk singer, a lyricist and a kabbadi player. He wrote and sung many hit songs in Gaddiyali, the dialect of the Gaddi tribe of the hill state.