Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD), along with the Bebaak Collective, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS), Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) and Wisdom Foundation strongly condemn the heinous terrorist targeting of tourists near Pahalgam in the Kashmir valley, killing 26 innocents and injuring several others on April 22.
We join all fellow Indians in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. And call upon the central and state governments to ensure urgent and adequate compensation for the loss of precious lives and proper treatment of the injured.
According to some reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan- based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has claimed responsibility for the strike.
We hope that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended, brought to justice and handed severe punishments.
IMSD has always opposed any targeting of innocent civilians anywhere, irrespective of the cause offered as justification for such savagery.
The terror attack hits at the heart of the Valley’s tourism centre, Pahalgam, putting a big question mark on claims of “return of normalcy”.
The latest mass killing raises disturbing questions about the failure of security agencies in ensuring adequate cover in and around Pahalgam, among the obvious targets of terrorist groups.
We demand a thorough enquiry into such a grievous security lapse, fixing of responsibility and necessary action.
Meanwhile, in this moment of grief and anguish, we are heartened by the humanity displayed by the average Kashmiri Muslim. On Wednesday (April 23) all the entire Valley observed a complete bandh, shopkeepers, traders, transporters. Reports across Kashmir of Mosques opening their doors to assist distraught tourists are pouring in as are reports of open condemnations from the Mosques calling this terror attack an attack on humanity itself.
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Kashmiri newspapers have in their editorials and front pages, editorially and visually conveyed the message that this is a day of mourning for the lives lost. IMSD urges all media, especially the television channels to objectively report the developments and not slide into any provocative coverage
We call upon all Indians irrespective of religion to emulate the fine example of communal amity displayed by ordinary Kashmiri Muslims.
Signatories:
Javed Anand, Convenor, IMSD
Hasina Khan, Bebaak Collective
Irfan Engineer, Director, Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS)
Teesta Setalvad, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)
Zakia Soman, Co-Convenor, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) Zeenat Shaukatali, Director General, Wisdom Foundation
