NEW DELHI — Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, one of India’s leading Muslim organisations, has strongly denounced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 28 people, mainly tourists, and left many others injured.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. “Those who kill innocent people are not humans—they are monsters,” he said. “There is absolutely no place for terrorism in Islam. It is a disease that contradicts the peaceful essence of the faith. Speaking out against such violence is a moral and religious duty of every true Muslim.”
Maulana Madani emphasised that criminal acts carried out in the name of religion pose a grave threat to the peace and stability of both the nation and society. He also praised the strong public response in Kashmir, noting that the widespread condemnation of the attack by ordinary citizens shows that the people of the region categorically reject such violence.
“Mosques across Kashmir have raised their voices against terrorism, and it is clear that the common Kashmiri Muslim aspires for peace, harmony, and unity,” the Jamiat president stated. “If the government genuinely moves toward peace, it will find the people of Kashmir standing in full support.”
Highlighting the bravery and humanity of local residents, Maulana Madani commended their efforts during the attack. Despite the lack of immediate official assistance or transportation, Kashmiri civilians rushed to help the injured—regardless of religion—by transporting them to hospitals and providing aid on the ground.
Wednesday saw a complete shutdown across the Union Territory, with marketplaces closed and a somber atmosphere prevailing. The collective grief of the people was further reflected in torch marches held throughout the valley, demonstrating a widespread desire for peace, unity, and progress—and a firm rejection of extremism in any form.
Maulana Madani also issued a strong appeal to the media to report responsibly and avoid biased or divisive coverage. “This is not a time to fuel hatred,” he said. “It’s a time to come together, to soothe the wounds of those who are suffering, and to spread the values of brotherhood, love, and humanity.”
Concluding his statement, he called for swift justice, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and ensure they receive the severest punishment.
