Srinagar, May 17: In a strongly worded statement, the People’s Civil Society has condemned the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, including tourists. The organization termed the attack a “cowardly and heinous act” that shattered a long spell of calm in Jammu and Kashmir.
The statement criticized certain leaders for issuing hollow calls for “resolution” without acknowledging the root cause of the region’s unrest—terrorism and its cross-border sponsorship. “Before making sweeping statements about resolution, we must ask: resolution for what? And for whom?” the spokesperson questioned.
Highlighting the Indian government’s response, the Civil Society supported Operation Sindoor, a targeted military operation launched deep within Pakistan-occupied territory. The operation, according to the statement, was not an act of aggression but of “defence and justice,” eliminating dozens of terrorists allegedly involved in destabilizing the Valley.
The group expressed concern that the recent terrorist escalation aimed to derail the growing peace and normalcy in the region. “Jammu and Kashmir had begun witnessing a return to stability. It was precisely this progress that the orchestrators of violence feared,” the statement read.
Calling out what it termed as “selective outrage,” the Civil Society condemned those who remain silent during civilian killings but speak only in the name of dialogue. “Peace cannot be built on selective memory. Reconciliation cannot come by equating the aggressor with the victim,” it added.
The organization concluded by reaffirming its support for the victims, the security forces, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It demanded justice, accountability, and a firm and unequivocal stance against terrorism in both word and deed.
Spokesperson, People’s Civil Society