Hyderabad, April 25 (KNS): The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), a 108-year-old trade, industry, and commerce body based in Hyderabad, along with several other trade and industrial organisations across Telangana, strongly condemned the recent barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack that targeted innocent tourists. The Federation expressed deep solidarity with the victims, their families, and committed unwavering support to the Union Government in its resolve to punish the perpetrators of this heinous act.
These Telangana-based industry bodies are among the first in the country to issue a collective and firm condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
A solemn two-minute silence was observed at the outset of the press conference to honour the lives lost in the attack, held at Federation House in Red Hills, Hyderabad.
FTCCI President Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal stated, "This barbaric attack is an assault not just on innocent lives but on our nation’s progress. It attempts 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."
K Sudhir Reddy, President of the Telangana Industrial Federation (TIF), emphasised that the attack seemed to have been orchestrated to obstruct India's economic growth and undermine 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, and a representative of the capital market, highlighted that the National Stock Exchange (NSE) had pledged Rs 1 crore each to the families of victims, a gesture that he lauded for showing solidarity in times of tragedy.
Anil Agarwal, representing the Steel Industry Association and former FTCCI President, expressed that the attack targeted not just a few individuals but the very fabric of humanity and India's economy. He stated, "We cannot allow such terror to derail our growth and our future."
Shekhar Agarwal, Past President of FTCCI, expressed concern for the tourism-dependent economy of Jammu & Kashmir, stating, "Tourism is the lifeblood of Kashmir, and the government must ensure its protection. We must foster harmony and coexistence in the region.”
Mohd Irshad Ahmed, Chair of FTCCI’s GST and Customs Committee, made an impassioned statement: “I condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe loss of a newlywed couple on their honeymoon is heartbreaking. Terrorism has no religion, no boundaries—it is fueled by jealousy of India’s peaceful growth. Despite global tensions and trade conflicts, our Prime Minister has skillfully guided the economy forward. Such attacks are attempts to destabilise progress. We must act decisively to protect our industries, because peace is essential for prosperity.”
P. Krishna, Past President of Jeedimetla Industries Association, noted that this attack marked a worrying shift in the nature of terrorism. "Attacks on tourists are unprecedented. We must not allow such fear to take hold in our country," he said.
Manoj Kumar Agrawal, representative of CREDAI Hyderabad, pointed out that nations like Dubai and Singapore have successfully prevented terrorism through stringent laws. We need a stringent law like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, a key piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding children from sexual abuse and related offences. Ever since this law was enforced, the crime against children has come down. He suggested measures such as sealing borders, banning visas, and fast-tracking terrorism-related cases not only to combat the growing threat but also to see that such acts are not repeated.
Gopal Rao, President of Cherlapally Industrial Association, and Narayan Reddy, President of the Fibreglass Industry Association, both echoed the collective sentiment of all speakers, urging state and central governments to work together in eradicating terrorism from India.
Ajay Agarwal, a veteran banker and Chairman of FTCCI’s PR Committee, condemned the attack on innocent tourists and called for a strong response from the government to ensure that such acts of terror do not succeed in dividing the nation.
R. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, representing industries in defence, aerospace, automotive, and electronics, emphasised that terrorism is a global issue, and the world must unite in condemning and addressing it. "We must put an end to terrorism once and for all, for the sake of not just Kashmir but the entire world," he added.
“Terrorism is a global menace. The world must unite to end it—for the sake of Kashmir, and humanity,” he added.
Sujatha, Deputy CEO of FTCCI, facilitated the press conference, which was a resounding declaration of unity and determination to protect the core values upon which India's future rests.(KNS)