Himachal Assembly adjourned after condemning terror attack(Lead)

Shimla, Feb 15 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly was adjourned on Friday after it unanimously condemned the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur moved a condolence motion and announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the family of Constable Tilak Raj. Constable Tilak Raj, from the state's Kangra district, was one of the 45 soldiers martyred in Thursday's attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama. He had joined the CRPF in 2007. Terming the attack "an unfortunate and cowardly act" by the militants, Thakur said those involved in it would not go unpunished.He said since the terror attack, the state has been put on high alert, especially Chamba and Kangra districts that border Jammu and Kashmir.Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Mukesh Agnihotri pledged the support of the Opposition to the Central government.He said there had been efforts to destabilise the country repeatedly and it was time that the Central government took steps to improve security. "The terrorist action needs a befitting reply," the former Congress minister added.Constable Tilak Raj, 31, who had joined duty on February 11 after availing leave, leaves behind his parents, wife and two children. He was also a popular folk singer and a kabbadi player.
--IANS vg/rtp/bg