Hindu Tourists Targeted in Pahalgam After Pakistan COAS Asim Munir’s Anti-Hindu Remarks; Several Casualties Reported

In a terrifying incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir, terrorists targeted tourists after identifying them as non-Muslims. This attack occurred just days after a video of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, making inflammatory remarks against Hindus went viral online.

Eyewitness (L) describes carnage that swept Pahalgam earlier today

A distressing video of the attack emerged, showing tourists desperately calling for help as lifeless bodies were seen scattered across the meadows. Eyewitnesses reported that the attack appeared to be driven by religious hatred, with terrorists shooting tourists point-blank after identifying them as Hindus.

One particularly haunting image that spread across social media showed a woman grieving beside her deceased husband. The woman, who was recently married, was on her honeymoon in Kashmir when the terrorists attacked and killed her husband.

Unofficial sources indicate that the death toll may exceed 25.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, instructing him to take immediate action and assess the situation personally. Amit Shah confirmed he would travel to Srinagar to lead an emergency security review with relevant agencies. He also reported to the Prime Minister and held a video conference with senior security officials. Strongly condemning the attack, Shah pledged that the perpetrators would face severe consequences and that no one involved would escape justice. Security operations in the region have been ramped up.

It is important to note that this attack on Hindu tourists came shortly after Pakistan COAS Asim Munir's controversial video surfaced, where he made derogatory statements urging Pakistanis to teach their children about the perceived divide between Hindus and Muslims.

Pakistan COAS Asim Munir's Anti-Hindu Remarks

In a provocative speech that has raised alarms among human rights advocates, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, asserted that anyone who does not follow Sharia law cannot be considered a true Pakistani. Addressing a national clerics' conference in Islamabad, Munir made it clear that Pakistan’s identity is intrinsically tied to Islamic principles, declaring that rejecting Sharia means rejecting the very essence of Pakistan.

This staunch position has ignited fierce criticism, particularly for its impact on Pakistan’s already marginalized non-Muslim communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs. Critics are questioning what this means for millions who do not adhere to the faith if following Sharia is now a requirement for citizenship.

Adding fuel to the fire, Munir reinforced his position by resurrecting the divisive Two-Nation Theory — the ideological foundation of Partition — arguing that Pakistan and India are irreconcilable in terms of religion, culture, and ideology. His remarks, laden with polarizing rhetoric, appear aimed at rekindling communal tensions and reinforcing a theocratic vision of Pakistan at a time when calls for greater inclusivity and reform are growing.

Through this speech, General Munir has not only drawn a clear line within Pakistan but also sent a powerful message to the world: the country’s ruling elite continues to view Pakistan not as a diverse nation but as a bastion of faith — a stance that many find deeply concerning in today’s global landscape.

(This Article was originally published by OpIndia)