Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack Will Be Hunted Down Even from the Depths of the Earth: Jairam Thakur

Shimla, April 26: Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur attended the state-level Thoda Fair at Khanar in Theog as the chief guest. Addressing a public gathering at the event, he said those responsible for the brutal killings of innocent citizens in Pahalgam would be brought to justice, no matter where they try to hide — even if it means tracing them to the depths of the earth.

He praised the swift action taken by the government, highlighting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately reached Kashmir after the incident, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India. At the airport itself, the Prime Minister held briefings with top officials to chalk out a decisive strategy.

Jairam Thakur warned that Pakistan would have to pay such a heavy price for its actions that future generations would remember it. He emphasized that the Prime Minister had already taken strong measures, including terminating the Indus Waters Treaty, which would leave Pakistan struggling for every drop of water in the days to come. He said that every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack would face consequences beyond their imagination.

Condemning the brutal nature of the attack, Thakur said that the perpetrators targeted defenseless people based on their religion — an act that cannot be considered human by any standard. “They are criminals against humanity and have no right to exist on this earth,” he said. He noted that the entire nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, stands united in grief with the victims’ families and demands the strictest possible action. The government, he asserted, would respond in a manner that would serve as a precedent for the world. “The entire country stands firmly behind the Prime Minister,” he added.

Thoda Sport Should Receive National and International Recognition: Jairam Thakur

Speaking about the event, Jairam Thakur said that Thoda is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular traditional sports, celebrated with great enthusiasm across many parts of the state. With a history dating back centuries, Thoda combines elements of traditional weaponry like swords, shields (dangru), khukris, and folk musical instruments, offering a vibrant reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Describing it as the only sport in the world that blends music, dance, question-answer duels, and archery, he highlighted Thoda’s unique cultural significance. The sport traces its origins back to the Treta Yuga, where Lord Ram’s bamboo bow, Kodand, is said to have been used. In Thoda, the two competing teams — Pashi and Sathi — represent the Pandavas and the Kauravas, respectively.

Popular in the Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan districts, Thoda remains a thrilling and entertaining display of traditional values and historical legacy. Thakur noted that this traditional sport, initially promoted by the ancient Khash tribes, is a treasured part of Himachal’s cultural fabric.

Congratulating the organizers for holding the event, he promised to work towards gaining national and international recognition for Thoda.

The event was also attended by Shimla Urban MP Suresh Kashyap, Chopal MLA Balbir Verma, members of the organizing committee, and a large gathering of locals. On his way to Khanar, Jairam Thakur also made a brief courtesy stop to meet party workers in Theog.