Pahalgam Incident Aftermath Alarming: President, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind

By Chief Correspondent
New Delhi :Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, expressed deep concern over the developments that followed the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing a monthly press conference at the Jamaat’s headquarters in New Delhi, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini once again condemned the heinous terrorist attack that took place on April 22, 2025, in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam. He said, “We once again express our deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic loss of lives and property in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Our condolences and prayers are with the victims and their grieving families. This act is completely inhuman and must be unequivocally condemned.”

He added, “The terrorist attack and the killing of innocent people reveal that the security apparatus is still inadequate. Despite the heavy military presence in the region, policy shortcomings continue to leave civilians vulnerable. We demand that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack be brought to justice, that there be a thorough investigation into security lapses, and that stronger protective mechanisms be established.”

Speaking on the broader situation in Kashmir, the Jamaat President said, “Following the abrogation of Article 370 and a prolonged period of heightened security measures, the government had asserted that terrorism in Kashmir had been effectively curbed. However, the tragic Pahalgam incident indicates that ‘normalcy’ has not yet returned to Kashmir. How can such an incident occur in a region under strict surveillance and with significant security forces? We appreciate the remarkable courage and hospitality shown by the Kashmiri people, exemplified by their efforts to rescue tourists and selflessly support them during the attack.”

Expressing serious concern over the attacks on ordinary Kashmiris following the Pahalgam incident, the Jamaat President said, “We strongly condemn the attempts by a section of the media and certain politicians to exploit these events for political and ideological gains. The Islamophobic narratives being spread, the circulation of fake news, and the efforts to frame such incidents through a narrow Hindu-Muslim lens are extremely divisive, anti-national, and condemnable.”

“The systematic targeting of Kashmiri students, vendors, and residents reflects a larger problem in our country—namely, the exploitation of sensitive security issues for cheap political gain, the promotion of Islamophobia, and the encouragement of division and polarization within Indian society—at a time when national unity is most needed. On the other hand, it is commendable that these divisive and anti-national efforts have not received public support, and have been specifically condemned by the families of the victims of violence.”

“We demand immediate and stringent action against those responsible for these attacks. We urge state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and workers, provide compensation to victims, and initiate awareness campaigns to counter prejudice. These incidents of harassment must end, and Kashmiris, who are equal citizens of our country, must be allowed to live with dignity and safety across India.”

In this monthly press conference, the Jamaat leadership also addressed the unconstitutional Waqf Amendment Act 2025, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) campaign against it, the caste census, and labor issues in India.

Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, who is also the Vice President of the AIMPLB, said, “We strongly support the AIMPLB’s nationwide resistance against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, which violates constitutional freedoms and undermines the autonomy of religious endowments. We support AIMPLB’s broader movement and its legal challenge to the Act and urge citizens to oppose this unjust law through peaceful and democratic means.”

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Jamaat President expressed serious concern over the systemic exploitation of India’s labor force—particularly the 82% in the informal sector—who suffer from low wages, lack of security, and hazardous working conditions. He stated, “We demand just labor reforms, the revival of protective legislation, and full alignment with ILO standards to uphold the dignity and rights of all workers.”

Regarding the recently announced caste census, Syed Sadatullah said, “We welcome the decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, considering it a crucial step toward addressing historical injustices and enabling targeted, evidence-based policymaking. However, to fulfill its goal of strengthening social justice and ensuring equal development for all marginalized communities, the caste census must be transparent, inclusive, and free from political influence.