27-07-2025
India stands strong and united, says Bitta lauding nation's security response after Pahalgam attack
India's firm retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack has restored national security and demonstrated the country's uncompromising stance against terrorism, said Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, chairperson of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF).
Former national president of Youth Congress, Mr. Bitta hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anti-terrorist policies while interacting with mediapersons in Thrissur. He was here for Ayurveda treatment at the Sitaram Beach Retreat, Nattika.
He said, 'Pakistan was forced into silence after India's strong counteractions. Claims that India fired at Pakistani aircraft are baseless. This is a clear victory for Mr. Modi and a result of a united national stance.'
Mr. Bitta, who has survived over 14 assassination attempts during the peak of terrorism in the 1990s, has long stood as a symbol of resilience against extremism. Reflecting on his past, he said, 'I have turned down several positions. My life itself is a bonus. I don't seek power or positions anymore.'
'No Khalistan'
Mr. Bitta, who heads the AIATF, an organisation actively supporting war widows and victims of terrorism, reiterated his strong opposition to separatist movements. He said, 'Khalistan will never be created. It was never made and will never be. If it is to be built, it will be only over our corpses. India is one and will always remain united.'
He pointed out that the Khalistan movement, which claimed over 36,000 lives in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s, was successfully subdued by combined efforts of the Centre and the State. Today, he said, the movement is weak within India, though ISI-backed terrorists continue to operate from foreign soil, particularly Canada.
Credits ayurveda
Mr. Bitta credited ayurveda for his physical revival, noting remarkable improvements after receiving traditional treatment for injuries sustained in past bomb attacks. 'I suffered severe leg injuries. For decades, walking was painful. After receiving treatment at Sitaram, I can now walk without a stick. I am now a devotee of ayurveda and its healing power,' he said.
This was Mr. Bitta's third visit to the Nattika retreat, and he expressed his desire to return again in the future. 'Ayurveda has given me my health back. The world must recognise its potential,' he added.
