Patriotism must be 'param dharma' to defeat terrorism: Piyush Goyal on Pahalgam terror attack

NEW DELHI: Union minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that incidents like the recent terror attack in Pahalgam would continue to trouble our country unless all 140 crore Indians adopt patriotism and nationalism as their "param dharma."
"As long as all 140 crore Indians do not consider patriotism and nationalism as their param dharma, such types of incidents will continue to trouble our country. However, India has enough strength to give a befitting response," the minister said.
Speaking to reporters, Goyal emphasised that such acts of violence would never break India's spirit and that the country has enough strength to give a "befitting response" to its enemies.
"These incidents represent the desperate last efforts of those powers. It is an unbearable attack, but we will not spare anyone," the Union commerce minister said.
Goyal also expressed confidence that the people's conviction would ensure a quick resumption of tourism in Kashmir and that pilgrims would continue their Amarnath Yatra without fear.
Highlighting India's success in tackling internal threats, he said, "Just as we are rapidly eliminating naxalism, we will similarly defeat terrorism. India's strength and determination are unshakable."
On the issue of Pakistani nationals overstaying their visas, Goyal said the government had already directed them to leave and stressed that no one would be allowed to stay illegally.
"We have already announced and informed them to leave the country. No one will be allowed to stay here illegally."
"The people of Bharat have the power, courage, and confidence. Tourism will resume soon, pilgrims will continue their Amarnath Yatra, and Kashmir will remain firmly on the path of progress. No one can stop it," he added.
26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack at a popular meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. In response, India announced several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.