Former Punjab Cabinet Minister Imran Pratapgarhi and former Working President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Sangat Singh Gilzian, who were visiting the United States, participated in a special event organized by Imran Pasha, President of the New York Chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress, IOC USA, on May 4, 2025. The event was held to condemn the killing of more than 26 tourists in the recent Pahalgam tragedy.

IOC USA Secretary-General Harbachan Singh welcomed both leaders and commended their contributions to public service. Imran Pasha highlighted the Indian National Congress Party’s enduring legacy and its leaders’ dedication since the party’s inception, according to an official statement.

IOC Chairman Sam Pitroda addressed attendees virtually emphasized the need for the Government of India to act with “restraint and due diligence” as it formulates a unified and appropriate response to the incident.

IOC President Mohinder Singh Gilzian called for the perpetrators of the attack to receive the death penalty, adding that “all indications lead to the fact that Pakistan was responsible for this gruesome killing.”

Secretary-General Singh urged for immediate fortification of Pahalgam and other vulnerable regions, emphasizing the need to restore the area’s tourism sector swiftly. He also called for national unity during this critical period.

Other speakers, including NYC Chapter President Pasha and General Secretary Sharath C. Vemuganti, praised the work of the Congress Party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Several attendees also expressed support for the Indian government as it considers its course of action in response to the tragedy.

The event included a minute of silence in memory of the victims, followed by a candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost in the attack.

President of the Haryana Chapter, Amar Singh Gulshan, and New York State President of the Punjab Chapter, Sukhjit Singh Badshah, honored both visiting leaders. President Gilzian presented a plaque of honor to Imran Pratapgarhi, while Secretary-General Singh did the same for Sangat Singh Gilzian on behalf of IOC USA.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by IOC Vice President John Joseph.

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