Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 26 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday participated in a candlelight march held in Hyderabad to protest against the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The event was organised as a show of unity against terrorism and a tribute to the victims of the attack.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy called for taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

He said, 'We urge you to move forward, and we, the 140 crore Indians, will stand with you. Divide Pakistan into two parts and merge PoK with India, we are all with you. This is not the time to do politics.'

'At a time like this, when terrorists have attacked our fellow citizens, all 140 crore people of the country have taken this attack to heart. Now is the time to respond strongly,' said Reddy during his speech.

He stated that the people of Telangana and representatives from over 100 countries stand together in the fight against terrorism.

'From the Telangana state, 4 crore people and representatives from at least 100 countries of the world stand together and fight against terrorism. We will support our Prime Minister in this fight,' he said.

Drawing historical parallels, Reddy cited past military actions led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1967 and 1971. 'Prime Minister Modi Ji, back in 1967, when our China attacked, Indira Ji responded firmly. Then in 1971, when Pakistan attacked, Indira Ji gave a befitting reply and split Pakistan into two, creating Bangladesh.'

Calling for firm measures, Reddy added, 'Now is the time to strike back at Pakistan for their actions. We must take decisive steps - the time for negotiations is over. It is time to give a fitting reply.'

The reaction comes after the Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, leaving several others injured.

It is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, and among the most severe since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)