Pahalgam killings brutal attack on humanity: Grand Mufti

Srinagar, Apr 24: Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Thursday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians and left dozens injured, terming the carnage as a brutal attack on humanity.
The Grand Mufti while addressing the media persons here said that the Pahalgam carnage was a brutal attack on humanity that is unacceptable and has no place in our society.
The Grand Mufti added that the attack targeted not just individuals but the very ethos of Kashmir. “Hospitality flows in the veins of Kashmiri people. We compete in welcoming tourists—how could we remain silent while our guests were being killed? This is an attack on Kashmiriyat and humanity itself.”
Meanwhile, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam demanded swift justice, saying, “Those responsible should be publicly hanged. Bring them to Lal Chowk—we Kashmiris will hang them ourselves.”
However, he vehemently rejected attempts to blame Kashmiris collectively for the attack. “God forbid, if any of us were involved, would that Kashmiri boy, who tried to snatch the terrorist’s gun not be a Muslim? Those who carried the injured on their shoulders—weren’t they Muslims?”
He also criticized sections of Indian media for spreading hatred.
Expressing concern over mistreatment of Kashmiri students outside Jammu and Kashmir, the Grand Mufti said, “Our children studying outside—what fault have they committed? Didn’t they hold candlelight marches in solidarity? Why defame us?”
He made a special appeal to religious leaders: “This Friday, every imam must condemn this attack in Masjids. We completely disown this act. We stand with the families of the victims. This pain isn’t just yours—it’s every Kashmiri’s pain. We want brotherhood, not division.” (KNO)