New Delhi, April 23 (KNS): In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu & Kashmir has issued a strong condemnation and urged both Indian and Pakistani authorities to take immediate and coordinated action.
At least 28 people, including tourists and local residents, lost their lives in the attack, which has been claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy group reportedly linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack has also left numerous others critically injured, sending shockwaves across the region and the country.
In an emailed statement to KNS, the Forum declared “We unequivocally condemn the heinous communal attack by militants on tourists and locals in Baisaran valley, Pahalgam. This reprehensible act of terrorism has caused the grievous loss of lives and left many more in a critical condition. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who observed a day-long shutdown to mourn this tragedy.”
The Forum, composed of eminent former civil servants, military officers, jurists, and human rights activists, further emphasized the need for accountability and international cooperation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“We expect the Pakistan government to conduct an enquiry, arrest functionaries of the organization, and make them available to Indian investigators. If their culpability is established, they must be prosecuted.”
The Forum also appealed to the Indian government to prioritize civilian welfare and constitutional norms in its response “We urge our Prime Minister and Home Minister to consult with the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as members of the elected administration and legislature, to devise a counter-terrorism strategy that adheres to humanitarian guidelines and safeguards the rights of civilians.”
The statement is signed by Forum Co-chairs Gopal Pillai, former Union Home Secretary, and Radha Kumar, former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, alongside other prominent members such as former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur, former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, and senior retired defense personnel.
The incident has reignited discussions on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the urgency of a collaborative, rights-based approach to counter-terrorism. (KNS)