We, the members of GASS, strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Based on the information available from various media outlets and social media regarding the entire incident and its aftermath, we are stating that;
Firstly, we express concern that terrorists were able to carry out this attack in Pahalgam, approximately 150 km from the India-Pakistan border. Given the Union Government’s assertion that the situation in Kashmir is under control, we believe both the Union and state governments should reassess security arrangements in the region. Furthermore, we question the approach of demolishing homes of said ‘terrorists’ family members, which may contravene the Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘bulldozer raj’. We call for a thorough investigation and appropriate action.
Secondly, a significant shift in sentiment has been observed among ordinary Kashmiris in recent years. This transformation is evident in their remarkable reaction. Beyond risking their lives to protect tourist and extending hospitality, many Kashmiris have publicly identified themselves as “Indian” and “Hindustanis”, emphasizing their “duty to safeguard fellow citizens”.
The recent shift in sentiment is notably visible among ordinary Kashmiris, including tourist guides, hotel owners, auto drivers, shopkeepers, journalists, and students. This is a positive change. This might be perceived as a threat by terrosists, potentially motivating their attacks on tourists to disrupt Kashmir’s tourism industry. To build on this momentum, both the central and state governments should proactively nurture and guide this transformation among common Kashmiris, fostering greater integration and peace.
Thirdly, the governments must condemn attacks on ordinary Muslims and Kashmiri students across the country following the Pahalgam incident and ensure prompt action against perpetrators. Certain national media anchors, rather than holding the government accountable, are fuelling hatred by conflating religion with nationalism. In the absence of effective regulation by bodies like the Press Council of India, boycotting media outlets that spread hate could be a viable response.
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We demand:
1. The Central Government should acknowledge its negligence and provide compensation and government job to the needy families of the Pahalgam attack victims.
2. The central government should act in direction of gradual restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, alongside enhanced border security, to build on the positive changes in the region.
3. A Press Council-led committee be formed to review and regulate media channels’ content, promoting responsible journalism.
4. State governments must promptly register criminal cases against perpetrators attacking Muslims and Kashmiri students, ensuring accountability and justice.
Deba Ranjan, Geneal Secretary
Golak Bihari Nath, President
Ganatantrik Adhikar Surakhya Sangathan, Odisha
Email: [email protected]
