Indian Overseas Congress USA conducts a vigil in New York mourning the death of over 26 tourists in Pahalgam.

NEW YORK: Both Shri Imran Pratapgarhi and former Ex Cabinet Minister of Punjab and Ex - Working President of PPCC of Punjab Shri Sangat Singh Gilzian, who were visiting USA were specially invited for the special event which was organized by Mr. Imran Pasha President of the New York Chapter, to condemn the killing of over 26 tourists as well as pay respect and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy.

Secretary-General Harbachan Singh graciously welcomed both the visiting dignitaries and invited each of them to come up and take their respective seats of honor at the podium. He then introduced Shri Imran Pratapghari as a very popular Member of Rajya Sabha who is well known for his oratory and dynamic speeches in Parliament. He is well respected throughout the world by his constituents who also regard him as the champion fighter for their rights. Sri Sangat Singh Gilzian was elected in 2017 as the member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from Urmar district, in the State of Punjab. He is one of the most popular MLAs who served Punjab for many years. At one time, when they were discussing about a ticket for him to continue running for MLA seat, he decided to run as independent. He won by a landslide victory and ended up becoming a Cabinet member of the Chief Minister of Punjab’s Cabinet. He brought big

changes in his district and people remember this very well. The President of Haryana Chapter Amar Singh Gulshan and the New York State President of the Punjab Chapter Sukhjit Singh Badshah honored and placed a shawl on each of the two important guests. President Mohinder Singh Gilzian then presented a plaque of Honor to Shri Imran Pratapghari ji and Secretary-General Harbachan Singh presented a plaque of honor to Shri Sangat Singh Gilzian ji on behalf of IOC.USA. The program began by Mr. Imran Pasha speaking about the attributes and special skills of Shri Imran Pratapgarhi and paid high tribute to his singing and poetic talents. He also spoke about the great accomplishments of the Indian National Congress party since its inception and highlighted the hard work of its great leaders.

Following calls from the audience Shri Imran Pratapgarhi agreed to recite some classic poetries of his own creation. No sooner as be started, he mesmerized and captivated the whole audience. His power packed verses awoke the spirit of patriotism, unity and self- respect. In his poetry, hepaid glowing tribute to Shri Rahul Gandhi and his predecessors for the glorious role they played in building the Republic of India. Dr. Sam Pitroda addressed the audience via a video address and complimented the group responsible for organizing the event. He cautioned the exercise of restraint and due diligence on the part of the Government as it moved forward in unison to formulate a proper response for the Pahalgam tragedy. President Mohinder Singh Gilzian declared that the culprits should be punished by death for the heinous crime they committed. He said that all indications lead to the fact that Pakistan was responsible for this gruesome killing.

Secretary General Harbachan Singh, remarked that Pahalgam and all vulnerable areas should immediately be fortified with adequate security and the tourist industry of this region be rebuilt rapidly. He asked the country to remain united strongly at this hour of need. New York Chapter President Imran Pasha, and General Secretary Sharath C. Vemuganti also spoke at length on the good work being done by the Congress Party under the great leadership of Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. Numerous other leaders spoke and memorialized on this devastating and shocking event and voiced their support for the government as it contemplates a suitable action in dealing with this issue. The entire audience stood up to observe a minute of silence for the families of the victims followed by the entire group holding of long vigil with candles in sympathy with the painful observance of the dastard killings. Vice President John Joseph concluded the event by the delivery of the vote of thanks.