Hyderabad, 23rd April, : In the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which targeted innocent Indian and foreign tourists and claimed multiple lives, a powerful wave of global condemnation has emerged. Within just 15 hours of the tragedy, 571 concerned and eminent individuals from across the world — including citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries — have endorsed a joint statement on Change.org, expressing their shock, grief, and unwavering demand for justice.
The brutal incident, which comes on the eve of the sacred Amarnath Yatra, has sent shockwaves across the subcontinent and beyond. Reports suggest that the attackers specifically targeted Hindu tourists, allegedly asking for their identities before killing them in cold blood — a heinous act clearly aimed at instilling fear, sowing communal discord, and polarising communities on religious lines.
A Global Statement of Solidarity and Condemnation
The joint statement reads:
“We the undersigned are horrified and outraged by the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The targeting of innocent Indian and foreign tourists and the loss of precious lives is a barbaric act that shocks the conscience of humanity. Our thoughts are with the victims and the injured. We offer heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery for those wounded.”
The statement further highlights the deeply disturbing nature of identity-based violence, calling it “disgusting” and “appalling.” It condemns the pre-meditated targeting of Hindu pilgrims as part of a larger, sinister attempt to disrupt social harmony and provoke communal unrest.
Kashmiri Muslims Stand in Solidarity with Victims
In a heartening development, local Muslim residents of Pahalgam and nearby areas came forward immediately to assist the victims — a gesture that underscores the spirit of unity and humanity. Eyewitness accounts report how locals used their ponies to transport injured tourists to hospitals, risking their own safety to save lives.
The Traders’ Association and Civil Society of Jammu and Kashmir, comprising largely Muslim members, also condemned the attack and called for a shutdown in protest, demonstrating that the Kashmiri public stands united against terror, irrespective of religion or politics.
Tourism, the Lifeline of Kashmir, Under Threat Again
This tragedy comes just as the tourist season was beginning in Kashmir, a region that welcomed 2.2 million tourists in 2024. The attack is expected to cast a long, dark shadow over the livelihoods of thousands of ordinary Kashmiris, many of whom are heavily reliant on tourism-related income.
“The real victims of such cowardly attacks are not only those who are directly harmed, but also the innocent families whose lives depend on peace, stability, and tourism,” said Mazher Hussain, founder of the COVA Peace Network, which issued the statement.
Urgent Call for Justice and Peacebuilding
The signatories of the statement are clear in their demands:
- Swift and strong action against those responsible for this barbarity.
- A commitment to justice for the victims, both in terms of legal accountability and compensation.
- Most importantly, a collaborative approach with local communities to build a roadmap to peace — one that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in mutual trust.
“It is imperative that a handful of inhuman perpetrators are not allowed to dictate the narrative or divide our society,” the statement asserts. “Governments must take citizens into confidence and work toward building bridges of understanding, not walls of fear.”
About the Organizers
The initiative has been spearheaded by Mazher Hussain, a Hyderabad-based peace advocate and Executive Director of the COVA Peace Network, a coalition dedicated to fostering interfaith harmony, non-violence, and conflict resolution across South Asia.
This collective stand by over 570 voices from across the globe sends a clear message: terror will never triumph over unity, peace, and humanity.
To support the statement and sign the petition, visit: Petition · Kashmir Terrorist Attack – Condemnation- Action Against Perpetrators- Craft Lasting Peace – India · Change.org