In a moving tribute to the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday refused to wear a ceremonial garland at a public event, choosing instead to directly start development work in their memory.
Addressing the gathering, CM Gupta said,
“I am deeply saddened by the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This tragic incident has shaken me to the core. At such times, I do not feel like wearing a garland at any function. Therefore, I skipped the formality of inauguration and started development work directly.”
In a show of solidarity and resilience, Gupta emphasized that Delhi’s development will not stop, stating,
“Public service and the progress of the state will be our true tribute to those martyrs. We stand firmly against terrorism and will continue to move forward towards building a safe and prosperous future for our people.”
Earlier, CM Gupta visited Shalimar Bagh in North-West Delhi to inspect ongoing projects. Speaking to local residents, she announced major infrastructure upgrades in underdeveloped areas, including:
- Pipeline installations to address water scarcity
- Street, drain, and pavement construction in slum clusters
- Road repairs to improve mobility and living conditions
The Chief Minister also announced a joint initiative involving the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Haryana government to address neglected barren lands and canal maintenance in the area, promising
“a clean and tidy environment for all to live.”
In a significant security update, CM Rekha Gupta confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except for medical, diplomatic, and long-term visas, effective April 27, 2025.
Furthermore, existing medical visas will become invalid after April 29.
This decision aligns with the broader set of diplomatic and economic measures initiated by the Government of India following the Pahalgam tragedy that killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, and left several injured.
The Chief Minister’s actions and her heartfelt message have been widely appreciated, resonating with a nation united in grief and determination against terrorism.