Muslims, trade unions condemn terror attack in Pahalgam

Showing solidarity with their Hindu brethren office-bearers and activists of various Muslim organisation have condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which at least 28 persons, including 27 Hindu tourists and a local Muslim youth, were massacred on Tuesday afternoon.

The heinous attack has been termed as an assault on the peace , fraternity and integrity of the nation by the Muslim leaders. “Terrorist elements are trying to destabilise the harmony of our country and create fear among people. Such acts must be met with the strictest action and zero tolerance. We urge the government and the authorities concerned to bring the perpetrators to justice at the earliest,” they said. Mubeen Farooqi, president of the Muslim Federation of Punjab, said the residents of Malerkotla district stood in solidarity with the families of the victims and with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Violence has no place in our society, and together, we must strive for a peaceful and united India,” said Farooqi.

Municipal Councillor Aman Afridi regretted that politicians had been spreading hatred among various sections of society by inciting violence in the name of religion, whereas no religion advocated violence and killing of innocent people.

“While we condemn the incident from the onset, we are planning to organise events to show solidarity with our Hindu brothers in general and families of victims in particular,” said Afridi.

Activists said the assailants had tried to disturb the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by killing innocent tourists. “By targeting tourists, the assailants have tried to cripple the livelihood of Jammu and Kashmir’s locals. They are trying to snatch the bread from the plate of the common Kashmiri, who depends on tourism for survival,” said former president of the Municipal Council, Suraaj Mohammad.

The Punjab State Committee of CITU strongly condemned the attack and described the massacre as inhuman, shameful and heinous. In a press statement issued here, CITU All-India secretary Usha Rani, state-president Mahan Singh Raurri, general secretary Chander Shekhar, treasurer Sucha Singh Ajnala and secretary Amarnath Koomkalan supported the protest and the candle march taken out by the people of Pahalgam against the heinous act of terrorism. CITU condemned the security lapse. They also demanded immediate arrest of the terrorists and compensation to the victims’ families .

Ludhiana