MUMBAI — A wave of condemnation and grief swept across the nation after the horrific attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including one Kashmiri Muslim and two foreign nationals. The incident has prompted protests, prayers, and calls for justice across India including Kashmir.
On Wednesday, the Sunni Bilal Mosque in Mumbai’s Chhota Sonapur witnessed an emotional and powerful demonstration against terrorism. People from different communities joined hands in mourning the victims, denouncing the cowardly attack, and expressing concern over attempts to communalise the tragedy.
The gruesome attack, carried out on a peaceful group of tourists, has been labelled by many as not just an assault on individuals but an affront to Indian values, Kashmiriyat, and humanity itself. While the country is still reeling from the shock, the response from civil society and religious organisations has been swift, unified, and unequivocal in its condemnation.
“Such attacks are intolerable,” declared Maulana Haleemullah Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra. “We strongly condemn this act of terror. We share the grief of the bereaved families. These attacks must be met with the strictest punishment.”
His words were echoed by Hafiz Nadeem Siddiqui, also of Jamiat Ulema, who added, “This was a cowardly and hateful assault, one that should be condemned from every corner of humanity. Our prayers are with the victims and their families.”
The outrage wasn’t limited to any one group. Islamic organisations, interfaith alliances, and secular voices raised their voices in harmony.
Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Maharashtra, stressed that the attack was “inhuman and unjustifiable in every respect.” He said, “The loss of innocent lives, including foreign guests, is a matter of national shame. The attackers must be brought to justice without delay.”
From the Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Vice President Maulana Abdul Jalil Ansari remarked: “This attack defies the teachings of every religion, every ethic, and every law of humanity. No words are strong enough to condemn it.”
Maulana Mahmood Khan Daryabadi, General Secretary of the Ulema Council, raised an important concern: “While we strongly denounce the terror attack, we must also resist the temptation to exploit it for political or communal gains. There must be no attempt to spoil the country’s communal harmony under its guise.”
A recurring theme in the public reaction has been the demand for accountability.Maulana Bani Naeem Hasni, President of the Ulema Board, was candid in his critique: “This attack has shaken the entire country. It is a direct attack on humanity and Indian unity. The Union Home Ministry must accept moral responsibility for the failure to prevent such an act. Justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”
Maulana Naushad Ahmed Siddiqui, head of the Imam-ul-Hind Foundation, emphasised the national implications: “Terrorists cannot weaken the country’s fabric. But to prevent further attacks, both the state and civil society must remain alert. We must also ensure no one uses this tragedy to divide people.”
A powerful and peaceful protest was held after Zuhr (midday) prayers at Sunni Bilal Mosque in Mumbai, where hundreds gathered holding banners and chanting slogans against terrorism and extremism. Cries of “Down with terrorists!”, “Down with terrorism!”, and “Down with Pakistan!” filled the air, reflecting public outrage and sorrow.
Sunni Jamiat Ulema President Moin Mian addressed the gathering, calling the attack “an assault on the entire human race.” He named some of the victims — Manjunath Rao, Syed Saeed, and Muhammad Hussain — to illustrate that terrorism does not discriminate. “Terror has no religion,” he said, urging people to look beyond religious lines.
Muhammad Saeed Noori, chief of Raza Academy, took a firm stance, demanding swift action: “This is the time to eliminate all terrorist training camps once and for all. The whole country supports the Indian army. The murderers must be punished—fast and hard.”
A significant concern among religious leaders was the reported effort by the attackers to identify people by name and community, an attempt seen as a provocation to incite communal violence.
Maulana Ijaz Ahmed Kashmiri shared an alarming detail: “According to eyewitnesses, the attackers not only opened fire indiscriminately but also asked victims’ names—an effort to spark Hindu-Muslim tensions. This must not be allowed to succeed. A terrorist is neither a Muslim nor a Hindu. He is simply a terrorist.”
His statement reflects a growing anxiety in India: that such heinous acts may be exploited to fracture the country’s social fabric. Leaders urged media outlets and government agencies not to give such tactics any legitimacy by focusing on the religion of either the perpetrators or victims.
Prominent social activists and scholars have also joined the chorus of condemnation.Javed Anand, Haseena Khan, Irfan Engineer, Teesta Setalvad, Zakia Soman, and Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, under the banner of Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy, issued a joint statement:“This attack is extremely shameful. It is heartbreaking to see so many lives lost needlessly. The government must ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. The safety of tourists and all citizens must be paramount.”
The protest at Sunni Bilal Mosque was not just about expressing anger—it was a call for national unity. Banners with messages like “Terrorism is our common enemy”, “Stand for peace, not provocation”, and “Don’t divide India under the guise of terror” were seen everywhere.
Religious leaders took the opportunity to remind people of India’s pluralistic roots and the need to reject all forms of violence and hate. Several mosques and Muslim organisations announced special prayer gatherings for the victims and their families.
While emotions run high, the national mood appears to be one of resolve—justice must be swift, and society must remain united.
The Maharashtra government has promised full cooperation in the investigation, and there is increasing pressure on the central government to not only bring the attackers to justice but also to review internal security protocols for tourist destinations, especially in sensitive regions like Kashmir.
The message from the streets of Mumbai to the corridors of power is clear: Terrorism will not break India. But justice must not be delayed, and the nation must stand as one—above religion, above politics, and against the forces that seek to divide.
