kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : April 23, 2025, Kolkata International Airport became the site of a poignant and politically charged moment as the mortal remains of two victims of the Pahalgam terror attack arrived from Srinagar. The victims, Bitan Adhikari and Sameer Guha, both residents of Kolkata, were among the 26 individuals killed in the attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the bodies were disembarked, a significant presence of political leaders from both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered to stand in solidarity with the grieving families. State Minister Aroop Biswas and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim represented the TMC, while the BJP was represented by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay, and MLA Agnimitra Paul.

The arrival of the bodies was marked by an outpouring of grief and a display of political unity. Suvendu Adhikari, holding Bitan Adhikari's child in his lap, addressed the situation with a call for justice, stating, "Leave the politics matter. Israel ruined Gaza, India will also ruin Pakistan. They killed only Hindus. We will not spare them." His words resonated with the gathered crowd, who chanted slogans of "Hindu martyrs" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" as the bodies were transported to their respective residences.

The political leaders' presence at the airport underscored the gravity of the situation and the shared commitment to honoring the victims. However, the event also highlighted the complex interplay between politics and tragedy. The convergence of political figures from different parties at the site of mourning drew attention to the ways in which national events can be interwoven with local political dynamics.

As the families prepared for the final rites, the community stood united in remembrance of the lives lost. The tragic incident in Pahalgam has not only left a deep impact on the families of the victims but has also brought to the forefront the resilience and solidarity of the Kolkata community in times of crisis.

The arrival of the bodies at Kolkata International Airport serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of violence and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. As the city mourns, the collective hope is for peace and justice for the victims and their families.