US Commission on Religious Freedom Calls Pahalgam Assault 'Horrifying Attack on Hindus'
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Synopsis
The US International Religious Freedom Commission has condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, labeling it a horrifying assault against Hindus. The commission urges accountability for the perpetrators while ensuring protection for Kashmiri Muslims. The attack resulted in numerous casualties, prompting strong responses from Indian authorities.
Key Takeaways
- US Commission condemns Pahalgam attack.
- At least 25 casualties reported.
- Call for accountability and protection for all.
- Stringent measures announced by Indian government.
- Focus on religious freedom advocacy.
New York, April 26 (NationPress) The head of the US International Religious Freedom Commission has denounced the terror attack in Pahalgam as a “horrifying assault, predominantly targeting Hindus.”
In a statement released on Friday, the commission's Chair, Stephen Schneck, remarked, “This horrifying attack, predominantly against Hindus, signifies a blatant and egregious targeting of individuals based on their religious convictions.”
“We call on authorities to ensure that those responsible for this attack are held accountable while also implementing measures to prevent retaliation against Kashmiri Muslims,” he added.
The commission highlighted that the “perpetrators reportedly demanded that their victims recite an Islamic verse, and those who failed to do so were killed.”
“We are profoundly concerned by the explicit targeting of Hindus and other non-Muslims,” stated Vicky Hartzler, a member of the commission.
“We urge the US government to enhance its leadership and engagement on religious freedom to guarantee that all individuals can practice their faith freely without fear of violence or retribution,” she further noted.
“Alongside redesignating Pakistan as a CPC, USCIRF recommends that the US State Department remove the current national security waiver to enable the administration to take legally mandated actions to uphold religious freedom,” said Asif Mahmood, another commission member.
On April 22, terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), executed a massacre in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
This attack resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local resident, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
In reaction, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a series of stringent measures in response to the attack.
These measures include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistan's military attaches from New Delhi, and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.
