Governor Leads Interfaith Harmony Meet at Raj Bhavan Shimla to Reaffirm National Unity Amid Cross-Border Tensions.
Shimla:
In a powerful message of unity and resilience, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presided over an Interfaith Harmony Meeting at Raj Bhavan Shimla today, aimed at strengthening the spirit of national integration in the wake of rising cross-border hostilities. The gathering brought together religious leaders from diverse faiths, top government officials, and political leaders, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to collectively denounce terrorism and uphold India’s cultural and communal harmony.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Shukla issued a scathing condemnation of Pakistan’s repeated promotion of terrorism. Referring to the recent provocations, he said, “Pakistan not only harbours terrorists but also glorifies them. Even its army participates in the funerals of terrorists, and its ministers openly endorse extremist ideology.” The Governor labeled the April 22 incident, which prompted India to dismantle terrorist hideouts in retaliation, as a turning point, adding that Pakistan responded with a grave violation by targeting civilians, including religious places such as temples and gurudwaras across the international border.
“These actions reveal the true face of terrorism and highlight the sinister ideology behind such provocations,” the Governor said. He emphasized the importance of communal solidarity, calling on religious leaders and citizens alike to resist misinformation, especially on social media platforms. “Let us collectively expose and condemn every attempt to fracture our unity. No force can weaken the spirit of India,” he added.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu echoed similar sentiments, saying that India’s diverse religious heritage is its greatest strength. “Whenever our sovereignty or cultural identity is challenged, Indians unite beyond political lines,” he stated. Praising the Indian Armed Forces, the Chief Minister expressed full faith in their ability to give a befitting response to any aggression. “Our armed forces act with integrity and adhere to humanitarian principles—unlike Pakistan, we do not target civilians,” he noted.
He also appealed to the public to follow official guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Government to ensure safety and peace.
The meeting saw participation from various religious representatives who voiced their shared commitment to harmony and peace. They emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard national unity and stand against any attempt to divide communities.
Notable attendees included MLA Vivek Sharma, Principal Advisor Media to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma, Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma, Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma, Additional DGP Ajay Yadav, senior officers from ARTRAC, and several other dignitaries.
The Interfaith Harmony Meet served not only as a platform to foster dialogue among faiths but also as a unified declaration against the forces attempting to disrupt India’s peace and unity.
