Not only the main High Court in Kolkata, but also the circuit benches in Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) and Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) observed the two-minute silence. The same gesture was followed in all district and sub-divisional courts across West Bengal, as well as at the Judicial Academy.
KOLKATA: In a respectful gesture to honour the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Calcutta High Court observed a two-minute silence at 12 noon on Thursday. This solemn tribute was carried out under the direction of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam.
According to an official notice from the Registrar General of the High Court, the decision was taken by the Chief Justice himself. The notice informed everyone working in the High Court about the planned tribute.
Not only the main High Court in Kolkata, but also the circuit benches in Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) and Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) observed the two-minute silence. The same gesture was followed in all district and sub-divisional courts across West Bengal, as well as at the Judicial Academy.
This tribute was appreciated by many, including political leaders. Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, praised the decision by the Calcutta High Court.
He stated:
“I salute the Hon’ble High Court at Calcutta’s noble decision to observe a two-minute silence today at 12 noon, honouring the brave souls who lost their lives in the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. A moment of remembrance and a solemn tribute for our fellow Citizens. Jai Hind,”
Later, while speaking to the media, Adhikari made an emotional and generous announcement. He said he was ready to take full responsibility for the upbringing of Hridan, the three-year-old son of Bitan Adhikari, one of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Bitan Adhikari, originally from Patuli in the southern suburbs of Kolkata, had been living in Florida, USA with his wife Sohini and son Hridan, due to his job. His wife also works in Florida. The family had come to Kolkata on April 8, and they went to Kashmir for a holiday on April 16. They were supposed to return to Kolkata next week.
Unfortunately, during the visit, tragedy struck. Bitan was one of the 26 Hindu men who were singled out and killed brutally in front of his wife and young son on Tuesday in Pahalgam. His wife and child returned to Kolkata on Wednesday evening, heartbroken and in deep sorrow.
This act of violence has deeply affected people across the nation. The High Court’s respectful tribute and Suvendu Adhikari’s heartfelt gesture are being seen as strong expressions of solidarity with the victims and their families.
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Similarly, the Supreme Court of India, on Wednesday, showed deep sadness and strongly criticized the terrible terrorist attack that happened on Tuesday in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
On Wednesday morning, during a full court meeting, the Supreme Court decided together to pass a resolution that completely condemned this horrible act of terrorism. In a statement released by the top court, it said,
“This diabolical act of mindless violence has shaken the conscience of all and is a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity that terrorism unleashes,”.
The resolution by the Supreme Court further said,
“The Supreme Court of India pays its respectful tribute to the innocent lives snuffed out brutally and prematurely while also expressing its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace and may those who were injured recover soon. The nation stands with the victims and their families in this hour of indescribable grief.”
According to the court’s statement, the victims were only enjoying Kashmir, which is often called the “Crown Jewel” of India. The attack on them is a clear insult to the values of humanity and the importance of life. The Supreme Court strongly criticized the act.
