Pune, 27 April

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Sunday urged the Maharashtra government to honour the kin of the six persons from Maharashtra who were killed in the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

They should be given the 'Nagrik Shaurya' award on Maharashtra Day, which is observed on 1 May to mark the state's foundation in 1960.

Atul Shrikant Mone, Hemant Suhas Joshi and Sanjay Laxman Lele from Dombivali, Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale from Pune and Dilip Desale from Panvel in Navi Mumbai were among the 26 who fell to terrorists' bullets in Pahalgam in Kashmir's Anantnag district.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Baramati Lok Sabha MP said, 'The nation stands united in condemning this cowardly attack. The bravery shown by the families during this horrific ordeal is truly commendable. Despite witnessing their loved ones being ruthlessly killed, they exhibited extraordinary courage.'

'These families must be recognized with the Nagarik Shaurya award as a mark of respect for their resilience and spirit. One member from each bereaved family should be provided with a government job in line with their educational qualifications,' she added.

Sule made a specific reference to Jagdale's daughter Asavari and said the latter is highly educated and could be accommodated suitably in a government role.

'Such a step would reaffirm the Maharashtra government's commitment to standing by its citizens in times of grief and ensure that these brave families are not left alone,' she said.

The NCP(SP) leader expressed hope that the Devendra Fadnavis government would act positively on her request and announce a decision soon.

She added that the Pahalgam attack has once again underlined the need for strong measures against terrorism.