Inter-Religious Solidarity Council, Mumbai condemns terrorist attack killing 28 innocent and unarmed tourists in Pahalgam Statement dated 23rd April, 2025 Whenever religion is used as an instrument of political ideologies, or as an identity marker like in nationalism, racism, or supremacism, and acquiesces to the use of violence, such tragedies occur in the name of religion. History has known political misuse of many religions. However, when religion inspires search for truth, ethical and moral values, its true essence manifests. for full text
The Inter-Religious Solidarity Council (IRSC), Mumbai, is deeply shocked and anguished by the brutal attack in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22nd April, which claimed the lives of 28 innocent people, most of them tourists. A terror outfit has reportedly claimed responsibility for this horrific act.
IRSC strongly condemns this senseless violence carried out in the name of Islam. The attackers targeted innocent and unarmed non-Muslims civilians, mostly tourists, identifying them based on their inability to recite Quranic verses. The assault lasted for an agonizing twenty minutes, which left survivors traumatized and shattered victims' families.
This heinous act has deeply wounded the collective conscience of our society, cutting across all religions, castes, and communities. We must remember that no religion—including Islam—condones violence. On the contrary, all faiths, including Islam, uphold values of compassion, love, peace, and justice. The terrorists who killed innocent people have gone against the Quranic verse 5:32, which states, “That is why We ordained for the Children of Israel that whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.”
Whenever religion is used as an instrument of political ideologies, or as an identity marker like in nationalism, racism, or supremacism, and acquiesces to the use of violence, such tragedies occur in the name of religion. History has known political misuse of many religions. However, when religion inspires search for truth, ethical and moral values, its true essence manifests.
In this time of sorrow, IRSC stands in solidarity with the victims' families and the survivors. We call upon all communities to come together in empathy, dialogue, and unity. Only through mutual respect, understanding, and the reaffirmation of our shared humanity can we heal the wounds inflicted by hatred and violence.
Let us commit ourselves to peace, reject all forms of extremism, and work together to build a society rooted in harmony and hope.
Inter-Religious Solidarity Council (IRSC), Mumbai
23rd April, 2025