This is what happened several months ago. A teenager living in the housing society where I reside was sent to Australia to study at a university in Sydney with much fanfare. The parents, whom I often met as part of a group, would tell us how easily the boy got his admission with the help of “some well-meaning friends,” adding that they had obtained an education loan to ensure he could study at a graduate school.

On reaching Sydney, the boy’s parents—especially the father—would tell us how a place to stay had been arranged by a “very close friend” at virtually no cost, and that the boy was “extremely happy.” We would be shown photos of the boy at various spots in the city as evidence of his happiness.

But as time passed, the father began to complain that his son had to “walk a lot” from where he stayed in order to catch public transport. “He gets tired on return,” he would tell us, adding that food was another problem. “He has to prepare his own food, which he has never done. Besides, while we can afford outside food, since he is a pure vegetarian, he isn’t very comfortable with what’s available on the counter.”

A month or so later, we found that the boy had returned. The reason? He was “unable to adjust,” and his mother was quite worried about him. “She advised him to return,” the father said, adding, “We have been promised by the university to return the advance fees deposited for his studies… Good that he is back…” Ironically, the parents never revealed which agent, if any, had organized the boy’s student visa.

While this boy returned after failing to adjust to a foreign environment, a news item published in the Times of India, authored by my ex-colleague Bharat Yagnik, suggests that Australia has now clamped down on Indian students, with the country joining the US and Canada in tightening immigration norms for Indian students, and several universities halting applications from six states, including Gujarat. The universities which have cracked the whip are Federation University, Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and Southern Cross University. Apart from Gujarat, the affected students are from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The news item quotes what it calls visa consultants and foreign education experts—especially from Gujarat—pointing out that they are “rattled.” In their estimate, “20% of students from the state heading abroad typically choose Australia, a figure likely to drop with these new restrictions.”

Foreign education consultant Bhavin Thaker is quoted as saying, “This has dramatically reduced the number of opportunities available to students. Of every 100 students who plan to study overseas, at least 20 are directly impacted. With Canada and the US already tightening immigration policies, and now Australia going the same way, the list of accessible countries is shrinking. While there’s no official government statement yet, the message is quite clear.”

Visa consultant Lalit Advani is cited as claiming, “The decision by Australian universities to restrict applications from certain regions within India will impact genuine students. The majority of applicants are sincere, and they can be easily identified based on their academic scores, background, and intent. Blanket bans only add to the frustration.”

No sooner had I read the news item than I forwarded it to my college friend Neeraj Nanda, who runs South Asia Times, an online periodical in Melbourne, and phoned him up to find out what was happening, and what the Australian side of the story was. Nanda, who was my colleague at Link Newsweekly in Delhi in the early 1980s, told me that this is an “old story,” pointing out that the authorities in Australia have discovered how Indian students submit fake documents to study in Australia.

The post Why’s Australian crackdown rattling Indian students? Whopping 25% fake visa applications appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Now seven decades after the tragedy on one hand we see the plight of Pakistan, sliding down on the scale of democracy, social wellbeing and progress. India which began well and strove on the path of pluralism and development is seeing the resurgence of the ‘Two Nation theory’ in the form of strengthening the communal forces which are sharpening their politics to achieve Hindu Nation. Ambedkar in his book on Partition warned that formation of Pakistan will be the worst tragedy as it may pave the way for Hindu Raj. How true was he! The attempts of Gandhi, Maulana Azad and Congress to prevent the tragedy failed to counter the British Policy of ‘Divide and rule’ greatly assisted by the ideology and politics of Communal forces of that time, Muslim League on one hand and Hindu Mahasabha-RSS on the other.

The Partition debate, the underlying two nation theory keeps surfacing time and over again in both the countries. Sectarian Nationalisms, Muslim and Hindu both, keep blaming each other for this tragedy. They undermine the deep roots of tragedy in the declining sections of society, the feudal forces, assisted by the clergy on both sides. As both these sectarian streams were on the forefront of spreading Hate, against the ‘other’ community, the communal violence went on intensifying and the figures like Gandhi, Maulana Azad could not prevent the ghastly events which followed.

While each communal stream, Hindu and Muslim have their own versions of this event, the holistic picture can be unearthed by seeing the picture through the movement and ideology of emerging Indian Nationalism and its opposition by the declining sections of Landlords and clergy on both sides.

This debate has once again come to the surface with Pakistan’s General Aim Munir. While addressing the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad, in presence of the top political leaders of the country, he eulogized the “two Nation theory”. He went on to pay tributes to the people who worked for the formation of Pakistan. Seeing one side of the picture he stated, “Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different — that’s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations; we are not one nation,”

This in contrast to the understanding particularly of Gandhi and Nehru who saw the two major communities and other smaller religious communities as interacting with each other and creating a unique syncretic culture where each component has contributed to the emergence of celebratory Indian culture. Common celebration of festivals at social level and contributions of people to all aspects of Indian culture by people of diverse religions, the unique Bhakti and Sufi traditions being the highest form of these interactions. Gandhi summed it up in his unique, Ishwar Allah Tero Naam, and Nehru articulating it as Ganga Jamuni Tehjeeb.

Two Nation theory was not a sudden articulation. As the National movement started emerging from amongst the sections of society associated with Modern Education, industries, and communication, Indian Nationalism towered over all other fissiparous ideologies. As pointed out, the other sections not associating with it and hanging on the feudal and pre-modern values threw up Muslim league on one side and Hindu Mahasabha on the other. They were exclusionist and veered round propagating the caste and gender hierarchy, standing opposed to education for Dalits and women.

The British subtly supported these trends as these were helpful for them in suppressing the National movement. One talked of Islamic Nation and the other of the Hindu Nation. Immediately after the formation of Indian National Congress the opposition to this came up in the form of Rajas and Nawabs pledging their loyalty to British rulers. Gradually these parallel streams emerged and Muslim League was formed in 1906. This was encouraged by the British. On the other side Punjab Hindu Sabha came in 1909, Hindu Mahasabha in 1915 and RSS in 1925. Both these criticized Gandhi to the hilt. Formally Two Nation theory was articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and that became the guiding light of Hindu Nationalism. Muslim nationalism started talking of Pakistan by 1930 and strongly articulated in 1940 BY Jinnah in 1940.

Today RSS ideologues (BJP leaders and RSS leader, Ram Madhav: Decoding General, IE 19 April 2025) are presenting as if ‘Two Nation theory’ was only the making of Muslims through Muslim League. They underplay the great role of Allah Baksh, Maualana Azad and Khan Abdul Gaffer Khan who were opposed to the demand of Pakistan’s. Pakistan which was formed on the ‘Two nation theory’ just after 25 years of existence broke down into Bangladesh and Pakistan. That was the grave of “Two Nation Theory” Their abysmal condition is very obvious today.

While in India Hindu Nationalism was quietly being nurtured in the silent manner, its first dangerous manifestation came when RSS trained Godse put three bullets in the bare chest of Father of the nation. Its further starkly visible form came up the decade of 1980 with the most divisive campaign for demolishing Babri Masjid.

A Pakistani poet Fahmida Riyaz at this point wrote Arre Tum bhi Hum Jaise Nikle, Ab tak Kahan chhupe the bhai. (Oh you have turned out to be like us, where were you hiding so far!). After this the attacks on the concept of secularism, inclusive politics and values of Indian Constitution were intensified and now the emotive issues have taken the centre state. The product of “Two Nation theory” Pakistan, is in the grip of Mullahs-army and has been servile to America. The other component of “Two Nation Theory”, Hindu Nation has also more or less occupied the centre stage in India. Values and outcome of Nationalism on both sides of the divide are same, only form is different. The Criticism of ‘two Nation theory’ and attributing it only to Muslims and Muslims is half the truth!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author’s personal views, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sabrangindia.

Also Read:

Standing Truth on its Head: Ambedkar and BJP agenda

Striving to Promote Democracy: Values of the Constitution

The post Composite Indian Nationalism or ‘Two Nation Theory’ appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Us.
The dusky-skinned, the mosque-born,
the ones with crescent moons in names,
whose mothers prayed in tongues too foreign for prime-time comfort.
Suddenly, we are all summoned.
Summoned to the dock of national conscience
to account for sins we neither conjured nor condoned.

They demand an arena of shame—
lip-wrung condemnations,
flag-wrapped fealties,
a parade of disavowals
that must be louder, sharper, more breathless than before.
As though the volume of our denials might absolve us
of crimes not ours.

And I must speak, not softly but starkly:
I am no confessor for a stranger’s sins.
No tribunal sits above my brow.
I owe no one the hippodrome of guilt.
The sun rises without my bidding,
and so too do the madmen fall—without my nod.

I am Indian. Not as an addendum.
Not pencilled in the margin of someone else’s belonging.
But wholly, fiercely, undeniably so.
My veins carry the dust of Bhagat Singh,
the perspiration of Ambedkar,
the silence of every unmarked grave
that nationalism buried and forgot.

Do not ask me to audition
for a passport already inked in sacrifice.
Do not hand me the script of the apologetic native,
for I shall not read it.

Let this be clear as broken glass:
A man’s faith does not annul his rights.
A man’s skin does not tether him to another’s shadow.
Identity is not inherited crime.
It is forged—in thought, in constancy, in scars.

Let us speak, then, of unrest—
of the state that forgets its promise,
that stirs the pot of division
and calls it patriotism.
Of ministers with tongues forked
like colonial serpents,
charming the poor with gods and guns
while coffers burst unseen.

Let us not forget the riots fed on rumour,
the lynchings filmed for Facebook fame,
the laws tilted like bent scales
toward temples and terror.

In such an amphitheatre of control,
what madness to demand that we perform purity?

Enough.
Enough of this Pavlovian shame,
of being summoned to cry on cue,
to swear loyalty not to a land—
but to the lie that we do not already belong.

Do you not see?
The question is not whether we are Indian enough,
but whether this India remembers what that means.

So hear me now—
I am Indian in every breath I take,
every grave I’ll return to,
every injustice I’ll fight till my bones are ash.
I will not lower my voice
so others may raise their fears.

I will not apologise for my name,
nor for the noise it makes in narrow throats.

This land is mine—
not because I say so,
but because it is written in the soil,
in sweat, in struggle,
in the quiet, unmoving certainty
of those who stayed
even when the nation turned its back.

This is the beginning.
And that—regardless of your stare—
is also the end.

Farahdeen Khan is an author, writer, entrepreneur, interior decorator, antiques and art curator, filmmaker and painter. He lives in Bangalore, India. 

This poem by Farahdeen Khan was first published on https://www.farahdeen.com/.

The post I am not your apology appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This case, which challenged the expulsion of a sitting Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) for alleged misconduct, brought to the forefront the inherent tension between the need to maintain order and decorum within legislatures and the imperative to safeguard democratic representation and the individual rights of elected representatives. In a way, it is also a check on majority parties trying to have their way in legislative houses on account of their brute majority.

Facts and context

The controversy leading to the legal challenge began with the expulsion of Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, an MLC from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), by the Bihar Legislative Council (BLC) in July 2024. The expulsion was a consequence of alleged derogatory remarks made by Dr. Singh against the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, during the budget session in February 2024. These remarks reportedly included sloganeering, using the term “Palturam” to suggest the Chief Minister’s propensity for political alliances, mimicking his body language.

Dr. Singh, a senior RJD leader known for his critical stance against the ruling Janata Dal (United) (JDU)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition, found himself facing disciplinary action in a politically charged environment. Following a complaint, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, where Dr. Singh initially sought exemptions from appearance. While another MLC involved in the same incident expressed regret, Dr. Singh reportedly questioned the committee’s authority. Ultimately, the Ethics Committee recommended Dr. Singh’s expulsion, a recommendation that was subsequently ratified by a majority vote in the BLC.

Dr. Singh challenged his expulsion by filing a writ petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the punishment was disproportionate to the alleged misconduct.

Arguments

Dr. Singh contended that his remarks were merely a reflection of public opinion and that a much lighter punishment was given to another MLC involved in the same incident [Para 4(d)].

The Bihar Legislative Council, on the other hand, justified the expulsion as necessary to maintain the discipline and decorum of the House, citing Dr. Singh’s history of alleged misconduct and defiance [Para 6(e)]. It was also argued that the court does not have jurisdiction to decide on this issue due to the restrictions imposed by Article 212 on Courts to not inquire into proceedings of the legislature.

Judgement

On Jurisdiction to decide on a matter under Article 212

Article 212 of the Constitution states as follows:

212. Courts not to inquire into proceedings of the Legislature

(1) The validity of any proceedings in the Legislature of a State shall not be called in question on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure.

(2) No officer or member of the Legislature of a State in whom powers are vested by or under this Constitution for regulating procedure or the conduct of business, or for maintaining order, in the Legislature shall be subject to the jurisdiction of any court in respect of the exercise by him of those powers.

This, by literal reading, means that courts do not have jurisdiction over the proceedings of the legislature. In this case, the decision of the Ethics Committee was on the basis of the proceedings of the legislature meaning that there was an element of confusion as to whether the Supreme Court had jurisdiction or not.

The Court clarified this by holding that while Article 212(1) of the Constitution imposes limitations on judicial interference in legislative proceedings based on procedural irregularities, however as in the present case, that this immunity does not extend to substantive decisions, especially those affecting fundamental rights [Para 12].

The Court considered the Ethics Committee’s recommendation for expulsion as an administrative function, thus subject to judicial review based on the principle of proportionality.

On expulsions effect on representative democracy

The democratic process in the legislatures, according to the court, relies on the active participation of all members and a brief absence can impede a member’s ability to contribute to critical legislative discussions and decisions. Therefore, it clarified that, while representation of the constituency is not the sole factor in determining the punishment to be imposed on a member, it nonetheless remains an important aspect that merits due consideration [Para 59].

The court stated that when the punishment inflicted on a member, is prima facie harsh and disproportionate, Constitutional Courts owe a duty to undo such gross injustice and review the proportionality of such disqualifications or expulsions.

The two-judge bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh, held that the expulsion was “highly excessive” and “disproportionate” to the nature of the offense [Para 88].

The Court traced the evolution of the doctrine of proportionality in Indian constitutional law, referencing seminal cases such as Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), Bacchan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980), and Modern Dental College and Research Centre v State of M.P. (2016). The Court emphasized the importance of the electorate’s right to representation and deemed the seven months Dr. Singh had already spent out of the council as sufficient punishment, ordering his immediate reinstatement [Para 88(d)].

Doctrines of proportionality and double proportionality

The principle of proportionality, which formed the bedrock of the Supreme Court’s judgment, is a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law, extending across various legal domains. Rooted in the ideals of fairness and the safeguarding of fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, this doctrine dictates that the severity of a punishment should be commensurate with the gravity of the offense.

For example, if someone commits a wrong like smoking a cigarette in a public space, it is a disproportionate action to have her house demolished. Instead, there should be a proportional punishment for such wrong. According to the court, the test of proportionality is satisfied by considering a myriad of non-exhaustive factors such as fairness, justice, absence of vindictiveness, predominance of objectivity, adherence to natural justice, fair play, and the recognition of mitigating circumstances etc.

While this doctrine is used in service matters and administrative law matters, it is also widely used in constitutional matters. In this context, according to the Supreme Court, the test of proportionality largely seeks to identify whether the restriction sought to be placed on the right is proportionate to the objective sought to be achieved by the restriction.

According to the court, the disproportionate punishment of elected representatives by legislative bodies carries significant democratic consequences. Such actions can undermine democratic values by depriving the electorate of their chosen representative, thus silencing their voice in the legislature [Para 58]. Moreover, the fear of excessive disciplinary measures can create a chilling effect on democratic frameworks, according to the court [Para 22].

Since the authority (legislative council) dealing with the question of expulsion of Dr. Singh, by virtue of dealing with him—it is also dealing with the electorate that put him there in that house, their voices, aspirations and democratic rights. The Supreme Court stated as follows in this context:

“While dealing with individuals, such as the Petitioner, it is imperative that disciplinary measures are undertaken with due regard to the principles of proportionality and fairness. The House, in the exercise of its authority to regulate its own proceedings and maintain order, must not lose sight of the necessity for a calibrated and judicious approach.”

The court essentially carved out the jurisdiction for itself by differentiating the proceedings of the legislature and ‘legislative decision’ with the latter not being immune from judicial scrutiny under Article 212. Thereafter, it examined whether expulsion passes the well-established test of proportionality or not. In this context, it stated as follows:

“In fact, this aspect is already prescribed in the Rules governing the procedure of the BLC. In this regard, our attention was drawn to Rule 10, Chapter 36 of the Bihar Vidhan Parishad – Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which provides for the penalties that the Ethics Committee may recommend. A perusal of the provision depicts that if the Committee finds a member violating the code/rules, it may recommend: (a) Censure, (b) Reprimand, (c) Suspension from the House for a specified period; and (d) any other punishment as deemed fit.” [Para 74]

Given the applicable provisions and the underlying objective of imposing penalties on members of the House, we are of the view that the primary purpose of imposing penalties is to discipline the members and ensure the smooth and orderly functioning of the House. A more measured and balanced approach would have sufficed to address the misconduct while upholding the dignity and decorum of the House. [Para 76]

By saying that the (above) punishment Dr. Singh served was sufficient, the Supreme Court directed to reinstate him to legislative council. It also quashed a press note of the Election Commission which spoke about by-elections for Dr. Singh’s constituency.

On guidelines to consider while taking action against members of legislatures

The Court, critically, also laid down an indicative list of parameters to consider while scrutinising the proportionality of actions taken by the House against its member(s). They are as follows:

1. Degree of obstruction caused by the member in the proceedings of the House.
2. Whether the behaviour of the member has brought disrepute to the dignity of the entire House.
3. The previous conduct of the erring member.
4. The subsequent conduct of the erring member, such as expressing remorse, cooperation with the institutional scrutiny mechanism.
5. Availability of lesser restrictive measures to discipline the delinquent member.
6. Whether crude expressions uttered are deliberate and motivated or a mere outcome of language largely influenced by the local dialect.
7. Whether the measure adopted is suitable for furthering the desired purpose; and
8. Balancing the interest of society, particularly the electorates, with those of the erring members.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision demonstrates judicial innovation in the interpretation of Article 212 of the Indian Constitution. This case is significant as it clarifies the scope of judicial review over legislative actions concerning the discipline of its members. The Court creatively interpreted Article 212, distinguishing between “proceedings in the legislature” and “legislative decisions”, and held that the latter can be subject to judicial scrutiny, especially when they affect fundamental rights. Whether this proactive nature will seep into other cases like those involving defection is yet to be seen.

The judgement may be read here.

(The author is part of the legal research team of the organisation).

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Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP 2020’s three-language formula: a federal pushback against central imposition

India at the Crossroads: The delimitation exercise and its implications for democracy

The post Bihar: SC frowns on disproportionate punishment of opposition legislators & its democratic consequences appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Declared a ‘foreigner’ by Foreigners’ Tribunal No. 10 in Nagaon on October 31, 2016 (Case FT(D) No. 24/2015), Matleb had managed to secure bail from the Gauhati High Court in February 2017. But in September 2024, the same court upheld the Tribunal’s declaration. He was detained and sent to the Matia Transit Camp — Assam’s largest and newest detention facility — on December 5, 2024.

For five months, Matleb remained incarcerated in this high-security detention camp, far from his home in Hojai. He was seriously ill for much of that time of detention— taken to hospitals several times, even admitted for 17 days before Eid. Yet, according to his family, he had no serious health issues before his detention. Whatever illness consumed him began only after he was imprisoned. Even as he deteriorated, his family was never provided with a single medical record — neither during his detention, nor after his death.

On the evening of April 17, 2025, the family received a call from Matia officials. Matleb’s condition had worsened, they were told, and they should come see him. Given the long journey — over 300 kilometres from Hojai to Goalpara — the family asked if they could leave the next morning. The officials agreed. But just a few hours later, around 1 a.m., another call came. Matleb had been shifted to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

His wife, Husanara Begum, and her brother, Sarmul Islam, immediately left for Guwahati at 3 a.m. They reached the hospital by morning. But instead of finding Matleb under treatment, they were met with silence and evasion. It wasn’t until 3 pm — after hours of waiting and pleading — that Sarmul was allowed into the morgue. That is where he finally saw his brother-in-law, lifeless.

Abdul Matleb was the sole breadwinner for his family — a wife and four daughters, three of them still in school. He worked as a rock breaker, a job his wife also took up to support the household. But now, caught in mourning rituals and with no son to assist her, she cannot return to work. The family is left with no income, no explanation, and no justice.

Even during his medical visits, Matleb was treated as a criminal. He was often taken to hospitals in handcuffs. “Where would he run in that condition?” his brother-in-law had asked the police once. Only then were the cuffs removed.

In the most heart-wrenching moment of this story, the authorities who had insisted Matleb was a Bangladeshi handed over his body to be buried in the land where he was born, lived, and worked all his life. Initially, the family refused to accept the body. “If he was Bangladeshi, send his body there,” they told the officials. But eventually, they relented. His daughters, they felt, should have the chance to see their father one last time.

He was buried in a small graveyard just a few steps from his home in Hojai — the same place his ancestors were buried. A man declared a foreigner by the State was returned in death to the soil of his birth.

This tragedy did not happen in isolation. Similar deaths have occurred in Assam’s detention centres — and in each case, the bodies were quietly returned to their families in India. These stories lay bare the moral and administrative collapse of the state’s ‘foreigner detection’ mechanism.

When a team from Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) visited the family, there were no words that could make sense of the grief. Matleb’s youngest daughter, Abida, who studies in Class IV, could not speak. Her eyes were dry, her face blank. Her smile, her family said, has not returned.

Sarmul Islam, her maternal uncle, recounted the events while speaking to CJP Assam team, and said:

      “We got a call at 9 pm on April 17 saying his health was failing. We told them we’d come early next morning. They said okay.      Then around 1 am, they said he had been shifted to Guwahati. We left at 3 am. But when we reached, they kept us waiting for hours. Finally, after 3 pm, they showed us the body.”

      “We didn’t want to accept the body. If he was a foreigner, send him to Bangladesh, we said. But we thought of the girls. They should at least get to see him one last time.”

      “He never had a serious illness. All of this happened after he was taken to detention. He was taken to hospital four or five times. Only once was he in Guwahati for 13–14 days. They would call us, but never give us any reports. And every time, he was in handcuffs. Only once, after we requested, they removed them.”

“He had all his documents. This happened only because of two names — Abdul Matleb and Matleb Ali. That’s it. No one else in the family has a case. His parents, his relatives — all here. If he’s Bangladeshi, then they are too. But it was just him.”

Assam’s detention regime operates on a cruel paradox. People are declared foreigners on the flimsiest of grounds — spelling errors, document mismatches, legacy data discrepancies. They are then locked away in high-security camps, often far from their families, with little transparency, few legal safeguards, and no meaningful remedy.

Worse still, the system makes no sense even on its own terms. If Matleb was not Indian, why was his body given to his family in Hojai? Why was he buried in the local graveyard? The State has no answer. On behalf of CJP, a team of five set out early in the morning and travelled over eight hours to reach Abdul Matleb’s grieving family. But once there, we were left speechless. The pain in that home was beyond words, the moment beyond description. What can be said when a system, in the name of identifying ‘foreigners’, inflicts such relentless cruelty on its own people? Assam’s Foreigners Tribunals and detention camps have become a dark stain on our democracy—where those who belong are treated like criminals, and where justice is lost to bureaucracy and bias.

This issue has been raised repeatedly — by human rights organisations, especially CJP, in the national media, even in the Assam Legislative Assembly. Yet, the cycle of injustice grinds on.

Abdul Matleb was handcuffed in life and returned as an Indian only in death. In seeking to identify ‘foreigners’, the Indian State is erasing the dignity of its own citizens — and in cases like this, even their lives.’

Related:

CJP triumphs in securing bail for Assam’s Sahid Ali: A step towards restoring citizenship

Ajabha Khatun, among the 63 facing detention in Assam, seeks Supreme Court intervention, emphasis on pending legal remedies

SC: Only 10 deported, 33 of 63 contest foreigner status from the Matia Transit Camp, Assam

SC: Only 10 deported, 33 of 63 contest foreigner status from the Matia Transit Camp, Assam

The post Foreigner in Life, Indian in Death: The cruel end of Abdul Matleb in assam’s detention camp appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On the afternoon of April 22, the area was bustling with families, couples, and individual tourists. Many were enjoying tea and snacks after a trek or pony ride to the high-altitude meadow, unaware of the horror about to unfold.

At approximately 2:45 pm, peace was torn apart when a group of four heavily armed militants, disguised in camouflage uniforms, emerged from the forest surrounding Baisaran. Without warning, they opened fire on the unsuspecting tourists, unleashing a hail of bullets that reverberated across the valley.

Witnesses described a scene of sheer panic and terror. Tourists, many of them with children, fled in every direction. One survivor from Nagpur, Simran Chandani, spoke to The Times of India and recalled the chaos: “We had just finished our tea and were preparing to leave. Suddenly, we heard what we thought was a balloon bursting, and then came the screams, the stampede. I ran, taking the name of God.”

Initial reports confirmed 28 civilians killed—most of them tourists—and many more injured, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage. Questions have been raised regarding the absence of any police, paramilitary, or army in or around the place of attack, as a large number of tourists were present at the Baisaran meadow. As per media accounts, ANI, PTI, Greater Kashmir, about six armed gunmen first encircled then selectively shot dead the men from among several visitors gathered there.

Claim of responsibility and motive

A group of four, including two locals, identifying itself as Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the heinous assault. The group cited opposition to the recent settlement of more than 85,000 outsiders in the region as their justification—a deeply troubling development, hinting at targeted violence based on identity and residency. Sketches of the suspected attackers—identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha (aliases Moosa, Yunus, and Asif)—were released shortly after the attack. 

Targeted horror and eyewitness testimony

A report of Deccan Herald provided the account of survivors, who says that the militants deliberately targeted men, asking them to identify themselves and even allegedly forcing some to recite Islamic verses. There were claims that some were made to remove clothing before being executed at close range. Although these details are still being verified, the cruelty and premeditation behind the attack are undeniable.

The firings lasted an excruciating 20 to 25 minutes at least, as per multiple media reports. Over 70 shell casings—belonging to American M4 carbine rifles and AK-47s—were found at the scene. The attackers later vanished into the forested terrain, triggering a massive search operation by Indian security forces.

One local, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator, emerged as a tragic hero. He attempted to disarm one of the terrorists in a desperate bid to protect a tourist under his care. Shah was shot dead during the attempt—becoming the only Kashmiri local killed in the attack. His grieving family, now without its only breadwinner, has appealed for justice.

The Victims: Lives interrupted, dreams extinguished

The true weight of the Pahalgam attack is not in the number of bullets fired or shell casings recovered, but in the lives so brutally cut short. Each victim was more than a statistic—they were sons, daughters, parents, and partners.

Among those killed was a young Indian Navy officer on his honeymoon, his uniform traded for a few days of peace in the hills. A retired banker from Andhra Pradesh was also gunned down without warning. A realtor from Karnataka, an accountant from Odisha, and a cement dealer from Uttar Pradesh—each on a simple holiday with loved ones—met the same cruel fate.

There was a man from Kerala who had recently returned from the Gulf, and a tourist from Nepal, the only foreign national killed, whose presence was a reminder of Kashmir’s reputation as a destination that once transcended borders. Now, their names are etched into a grim list of those who never made it home. The tragedy of this attack lies not only in the brutality of the act but in the ordinary, joyful moments it stole. This was not just an attack on individuals—it was an attack on the fundamental human desire to seek beauty, joy, and connection. And that is why it cuts so deep.

A Local Hero: The story of Syed Adil Hussain Shah

As bullets rained down on unsuspecting tourists in Pahalgam, amidst screams and chaos, one man stood his ground—not to flee, but to protect. A Gujjar local Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a humble pony ride operator from Pahalgam, displayed remarkable bravery in the face of terror. NDTV reported his heroic acts in a special report. In a moment that epitomised selflessness, Shah tried to snatch a rifle from one of the gunmen in a desperate attempt to save the tourists he had ferried to the Baisaran meadow. His valiant act cost him his life.

Adil Shah was the only local killed in the brutal attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. According to eyewitness accounts, the terrorists were selecting victims based on their religion, reportedly asking people to recite a Koranic verse before pulling the trigger. In the midst of this horror, Shah’s actions offered a fleeting glimmer of humanity. He refused to cower—his last moments defined by courage rather than fear.

As reported by NDTV, Adil leaves behind an elderly mother and father, a wife, and young children, all of whom depended on him. The grief in the Shah household is immeasurable. His inconsolable mother wept not only for the irreplaceable loss of her son but also for the uncertain future that now looms over the family. His father, Syed Haider Shah, speaking to ANI, said: “My son went to Pahalgam yesterday to work, and around 3 pm, we heard about the attack. We called him, but his phone was switched off. Later, at 4.40 pm, his phone turned on, but no one answered. We rushed to the police station, and that’s when we learned that he had been shot in the attack. Whoever is responsible must face the consequences.”

#WATCH | J&K | Family member of Anantnag resident Syed Hussain Shah, who lost his life in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack, says, “He (Syed Hussain Shah) had gone to Pahalgam to work… We got information about the attack at 3 pm. When we called (Syed Hussain Shah), the phone was not… pic.twitter.com/8IlX5NKB8j

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

Adil’s story is more than a tragedy—it is a testament to the strength of character that often goes unsung in times of crisis. In a region haunted by decades of conflict, his death is a piercing reminder that violence knows no bounds, and its victims are often the very people who strive to preserve life. The family has appealed for justice, and the Valley mourns a son who died not in silence, but in struggle—trying to protect those who had come seeking peace in the meadows of Kashmir.

#WATCH | J&K | Mother of the Anantnag resident Syed Hussain Shah, who lost his life in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack, gets emotional, says, “He was the only bread earner of the family…” pic.twitter.com/W7BgzeVOEC

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

National and international response

The attack drew widespread condemnation and grief from both national and international quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, immediately cut short his trip and returned to India. In a statement, he described the assault as a “heinous act,” vowed that the perpetrators “will not be spared,” and promised all assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased.

I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

Those behind this heinous act will be brought…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar to oversee the investigation, while the government decided to transfer the probe from the Jammu and Kashmir Police to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), indicating the gravity of the situation.

With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared. pic.twitter.com/bFxb2nDT4H

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2025

US President Donald Trump expressed deep condolences and assured India of America’s full support. The world watched in horror as images and videos of the aftermath—people screaming, bleeding, and desperately pleading for help—circulated across social media.

Across India, political leaders and citizens reacted with grief and anger. Leader of the Opposition (LOP), Rahul Gandhi expressed sorrow and condemnation at the attack but also stated on his account on X that he had spoken to Home Minister, Amit Shah.

“Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation. The families of the victims deserve justice and our fullest support,” Gandhi said.

Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation.

The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 23, 2025

Rahul Gandhi also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the chairman of the National Conference, which leads the ruling alliance in the Union Territory, with the Congress as a coalition partner. After the 2001 attack on the Parliament, Sonia Gandhi, who was then the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, was among the first leaders to dial the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to enquire about his well-being.

Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah expressed heartbreak over the mass exodus of tourists and urged cooperation with controlled evacuation efforts, given the precarity of local roads.

It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave. While DGCA & the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights,… pic.twitter.com/5O3i5U1rBh

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 23, 2025

Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and PDP leader, led a protest march with party workers in Srinagar. They held placards reading, “This is an attack on all of us” and “Stop innocent killings.” Iltija Mufti, a young local leader, expressed disbelief, saying Baisaran was heavily patrolled and the ease with which such an attack happened was deeply alarming.

This is an attack on all of us. #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/3NAJKrG0Wp

— J&K PDP (@jkpdp) April 23, 2025

CPI (M) leader and Kulgam MLA MY Tarigami speaking to PTI has said, “It is very unfortunate and painful for all of us. Especially for those whose family members, loved ones have been injured in the attack. When a tourist comes to Jammu and Kashmir, it opens employment opportunities for the locals here… It is a good thing for us when tourists come here again and again, but if they are attacked, then it is very shameful and painful… The government should take strict action against this.”

Condemning the dastardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. The inhuman act of violence deserves to be denounced in the strongest terms. Such cowardly attacks on innocent civilians have no place in any civilised society.

— M Y Tarigami (@tarigami) April 22, 2025

Senior advocate and independent Rajya Sabha member, Kapil Sibal has, in a statement quoted by PTI stated, “Quoting Pakistan Chief Gen Asim Munir’s ‘jugular vein comment’, Sibal called the attack as a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack. He says, “It will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it, we not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their historic struggle. So obviously this is (Pakistan) state sponsored because this was said just a week ago…. I would urge the Home Minister to proscribe the outfit as a terrorist organisation under UAPA and we should file a prosecution in the International Criminal Court, urge international community to boycott Pakistan.”

Pahalgam
Baisaran Valley
26 dead so far..

This terrorist attack is an attack against humanity clearly sponsored by Pakistan.

General Munir said “Kashmir is our jugular vein..” one week ago

HM must proscribe Pakistan a terrorist state ; a terrorist organisation under UAPA

— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) April 23, 2025

VIDEO | Quoting Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir’s ‘jugular vein’ comment, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) calls Pahalgam terrorist attack as Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack.

He says, “‘It will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it, we will not leave our… pic.twitter.com/CA07QxG0qG

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2025

Security and evacuation efforts

In the immediate aftermath, the region saw a significant security build-up. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) urged airlines to increase flights from Srinagar and waive rescheduling fees to help tourists evacuate. 

Aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, DGCA issues advisory to airlines over surge in pricing and waiving cancellation charges: DGCA pic.twitter.com/GHzerH1NSw

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

Helicopters were deployed to airlift the severely injured, while locals—many of whom make a living from tourism—rushed to carry the wounded down the hill on ponies, a testament to the humanity still present amid horror.

Protests: A valley silenced by grief, united in defiance

This attack has dealt a severe blow to the region’s fragile calm, coming at a time when Kashmir was witnessing a revival in tourism. With the 38-day Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage set to begin in July, concerns over security are likely to grow.

While investigations continue, the horror at Pahalgam has brought back chilling memories of past tragedies in the Valley. It has reminded the country that terrorism still lurks, capable of destroying lives and peace in an instant.

On the morning following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that left 28 people dead—mostly tourists and local guides—Kashmir awoke to a sight it hadn’t seen in decades. Leading newspapers across the Valley printed their front pages in black, a visual lament echoing the sorrow, fury, and helplessness that had gripped the region. With headlines in stark white and crimson, the media offered a rare and haunting public protest against the brutality that once again ruptured the fragile peace of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is how Kashmir is feeling today. Saluts to the local newspapers: apologies to all Kashmiris for some of the Indian commercial electronic TV channels! https://t.co/dVycluuuwJ

— Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) April 23, 2025

Prominent English and Urdu dailies—Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taameel Irshad—eschewed the usual format, opting instead for a symbolic blackout. Greater Kashmir led with the chilling headline: “Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving”, its subheading in blood red: “26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.” The editorial beneath, titled “The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir’s soul,” did not mince words. It described the assault not merely as a massacre but as an existential threat— “a deliberate blow to Kashmir’s identity and values — its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace.”

https://t.co/IJhRewSpKd #PahalgamTerroristAttack #pahalgamattack #PahalgamTerrorAttack

— Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) April 23, 2025

The editorial called for an urgent reimagining of security and intelligence coordination in the Valley. “The ability of terrorists to infiltrate a high-traffic, pedestrian-only tourist site undetected,” it warned, “points to severe gaps in our preventive mechanisms.” It urged a shift from reactive to proactive governance—demanding not just increased surveillance, but greater community engagement and a concerted effort to uproot terror infrastructure.

In a dramatic shift not witnessed since the early 1990s, the entire Kashmir Valley observed a total shutdown in response to the killings—marking the first bandh called to protest terrorism in over 35 years. The call for the shutdown was widely endorsed across the political spectrum and sections of civil society, including religious organisations, business federations, students’ unions, and trade bodies.

As per Hindustan Times, shops, fuel stations, and businesses remained closed in Srinagar and other districts. Public transport was scarce. Only essential services operated, and private vehicles plied the roads cautiously. Private schools suspended classes, while Kashmir University postponed all examinations. The silence that enveloped the Valley was not one of fear but of collective mourning—an unspoken but palpable declaration of unity against the forces that sought to terrorise the region.

Throughout the day, spontaneous and organised protests emerged in all corners of Kashmir. In Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Mehbooba Mufti joined grieving citizens in a rare display of civilian solidarity. Holding placards that read “Stop innocent killings” and “Killing innocents is an act of terror,” protesters demanded accountability and protection. Addressing the crowd, Mufti said, “This massacre is not just an attack on tourists, but an attack on the very soul of Kashmir. We have always stood against violence, and we will continue to raise our voice until the bloodshed ends.”

Killing innocents is an act of terror. Jammu & Kashmir stands against it. This attack is an attack on all of us. pic.twitter.com/Kc7BiesI4C

— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) April 23, 2025

No to Killings. No to Terror. We stand in shame and sorrow. #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/pP6lY0oyl8

— Yasir Reshi (@YasirrReshi) April 23, 2025

South Kashmir towns like Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian saw markets voluntarily shut down. In Ganderbal and Kangan, traders staged processions through town squares, closing their establishments in mourning. Civil society participation was overwhelming. The Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU)—a collective of Islamic scholars led by Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq—issued a rare joint appeal for peace and justice. Quoting the Quran during Friday prayers, the Mirwaiz said: “Whoever kills an innocent soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” He urged the people to observe the shutdown not in vengeance but as a dignified protest against a “heinous crime against humanity.”

#WATCH | J&K | Locals hold a protest against #PahalgamTerrorAttack in Pulwama. pic.twitter.com/Gmgz1y8eE6

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

#WATCH | In light of the tragic killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, government employees across Jammu and Kashmir observe a two-minute silence as a mark of respect and solidarity

(Visuals from Jammu) pic.twitter.com/XMoCYHHfkW

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

Political parties that have often found themselves at ideological odds—National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference, Apni Party—all joined in a chorus of condemnation, signalling a rare moment of political consensus in the Valley. Leaders across affiliations called for a unified approach to security, a reaffirmation of Kashmir’s commitment to peace, and a crackdown on the networks enabling such attacks.

On social media, heartbreak and solidarity flowed freely. A photo of a woman cradling her husband’s bloodied body outside a hospital in Anantnag became emblematic of the grief sweeping through the Valley. Tributes poured in not just for the tourists who perished, but for local guides, porters, and shopkeepers who died helping others flee.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Pahalgam terrorist attack, Senior advocate Kapil Sibal says, “Those responsible for this should be prosecuted in the international court. I urge the Home Minister to proscribe Pakistan as a terrorist state and move the International Criminal Court. I am sure… pic.twitter.com/eYHdRnUHRy

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

In Baramulla, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil led by students, while in Pulwama, elderly citizens marched silently, holding signs that read “We are Kashmiris, not terrorists.” In Budgam, schoolteachers and parents formed human chains outside education offices, denouncing the return of fear in a region already battered by decades of trauma.

Significantly, for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the administration did not clamp down on protest rallies. Officials confirmed that while security was heightened across sensitive areas, demonstrations were allowed to proceed. “We recognised that this was not an ordinary political agitation. This is a collective tragedy,” a senior police officer said. “The public anger is real, it is justified—and today, the people of Kashmir have made it clear: they reject terror in all its forms.”

The day-long shutdown, though sombre, was not a surrender to fear. It was a powerful, united act of remembrance and resistance—a statement that Kashmiris will not let violence define them. 

Other reports on the Pahalgam terror attack may be read here and here,

Related:

Muslims in Kashmir & across India strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack

Indian Muslims, others, condemn the heinous massacre of tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir

The post A Tranquil Paradise Shattered: The Pahalgam terror attack appeared first on SabrangIndia.

A resolution passed unanimously by the Full Court expressed deep sorrow, stating that the “diabolical act of mindless violence” had shaken the collective conscience of the nation. It further read, “The Supreme Court of India pays its respectful tribute to the innocent lives brutally and prematurely lost. Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”

Supreme Court condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/MRMSo8MCzX

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025

The resolution also remarked on the symbolic nature of the attack, targeting tourists who were simply enjoying the natural beauty of Kashmir, and emphasised that it stood as a stark reminder of the brutality that terrorism entails. As a mark of solidarity, the Judges, lawyers, and Registry staff observed a two-minute silence at 2 pm today.

Supreme Court to observe two minutes’ silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. pic.twitter.com/dYuNv3cRBK

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025

Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) stands in solidarity

Joining the chorus of condemnation, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also passed a resolution decrying the attack. The Association expressed solidarity with the victims and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, stating, “It is our earnest prayer that peace, unity, and harmony prevail, so that our nation continues to progress in strength and brotherhood.”

Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association passes resolution condemning the heinous terrorist attack at Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/f6ptbfKjRH

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025

To honour the victims, nearly 300 advocates gathered at the Supreme Court lawns wearing white ribbons. The assembly served as both a solemn tribute and a symbolic act of unity against terror.

Lawyers gather in #SupremeCourtofIndia lawns to condemn #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/yMm1G7djQ0

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir legal fraternity calls for mourning and protest

In a significant gesture of protest and mourning, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), Srinagar, strongly condemned the terrorist assault, calling it a “cowardly and barbaric attack” on innocent civilians and tourists. The Association announced a complete shutdown of judicial work across the High Court at Srinagar and all subordinate courts and tribunals on April 23.

Advocate Waseem Gul, President of JKHCBA, spoke to the Tribune and expressed profound sorrow and described the incident as an “unforgivable act of violence” that had no place in a civilised society. He stated, “We denounce this brutal assault on innocent lives, which seeks to disrupt the peace and harmony of Jammu and Kashmir. The legal fraternity stands united in condemning this barbarity.”

The Jammu wing of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association also announced a complete suspension of court work on April 23 in solidarity with the victims. Bar President K. Nirmal Kotwal released a statement affirming the Association’s support: “We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.”

In a rare and powerful display of unity, political parties, civil society organisations, traders, and transport unions across Jammu called for a Jammu Bandh. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry and transport unions pledged full support, leading to a complete shutdown of public transport and commercial establishments across the region as a mark of protest and mourning.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court requests advocates, officials at Srinagar Bench to assemble at court for observing two minutes silence to pay tribute to victims of Pahalgam terror attack. pic.twitter.com/D5In9azEyk

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025

Bar Associations Of Jammu & Srinagar To Observe Bandh In Protest Against Pahalgam Terror Attack#Pahalgamhttps://t.co/RqTn9zXZN5

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025

Delhi High Court Bar Association reacts with protest and solidarity

As per LiveLaw, Echoing sentiments from the legal fraternity nationwide, the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) issued a strong statement condemning the attack as a “dastardly and cowardly act” that deliberately targeted innocent lives. DHCBA President and senior advocate N Hariharan, in a press release, described the attack as a direct challenge to the unity and sovereignty of India.

As a gesture of protest and solidarity, ANI reported that members of the DHCBA wore black ribbons on their arms during court proceedings.

Wider legal fraternity unites in condemnation

Across the Union Territory, various bar associations joined in expressing outrage. The Kashmir Jurists Bar Association attributed the attack to Pakistan-sponsored elements, labelling it an “inhuman assault on peaceful civilians.” They urged authorities to take firm action and adopt robust security measures to safeguard the lives of civilians in the future.

Adding its voice to the growing chorus, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association issued a statement strongly condemning the Pahalgam killings. In their message, the Association said, “We urge the Government of India to take swift and the severest possible action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.”

Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association condemns #Pahalgam killings.

“We urge the Government of India to take swift and the severest possible action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.” pic.twitter.com/rQwLILXCZn

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025

The Pahalgam terror attack has not only left a trail of destruction but has also triggered a profound and united response from India’s legal fraternity. From the Supreme Court to regional bar associations, legal institutions across the country have spoken in one voice—condemning the attack, mourning the victims, and calling for swift justice. Their solidarity underscores a shared commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the values of humanity that terrorism seeks to undermine.

Other reports on the Pahalgam terror attack may be read here and here,

Related:

Muslims in Kashmir & across India strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack

Indian Muslims, others, condemn the heinous massacre of tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir

The post SC leads the nation’s legal fraternity as it unites in grief & outrage over Pahalgam terror attack appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The attack in #Pahalgam was strongly condemned from several mosques across #JammuAndKashmir.

Imams called the killing of tourists inhuman and against the teachings of Islam. They prayed for the victims and demanded justice.#PahalgamTerroristAttack #PahalgamTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/ktWmnUBxqt

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) April 23, 2025

This immediate reaction –news came in by 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 22— of the Muslim community in the Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir opening doors of mosques to accommodate the tourists from different parts stranded due to closure of Jammu following the attack.

As immediate humanitarian assistance, the Pahalgam Anantnag Tourist Stand Association President extends support, offering blood and cash assistance to needy tourists.

Pahalgam Anantnag Tourist Stand Association President extends support, offering blood and cash assistance to needy tourists. #PahalgamAttack #TouristSupport #Kashmir #kashmirattack #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/iL6cv8Zjxo

— Kashmir Outlook (@kashmiroutlook1) April 22, 2025

Locals also held a candlelight vigil late evening Tuesday expressing their anger, distress and condemnation of the senseless killings

Pahalgam Attack: Locals Hold Candlelight March pic.twitter.com/a1yAJB550K

— Kashmir Life (@KashmirLife) April 22, 2025

This is our teaching of Islam unlike you all who always celebrated our misery. Muslim of Pahalgam protesting the terror attack

This is our teaching of Islam unlike you all who always celebrated our misery.
Muslim of Pahalgam protesting. #PahalgamTerrorAttack
pic.twitter.com/EwXNBsWYKa

— Adv Rukhsana Sayed (@Umm_e_meerann) April 22, 2025

Here are more visuals of the people of Pahalgam condemning terror attack.

Kashmiri media

April 23, dawn, and several prominent newspapers in Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the brutal terrorist attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead in the Pahalgam hill resort the previous day. The striking act of protest by the newspapers, each bearing powerful headlines in white or red, was a powerful public display of solidarity and grief, symbolising the collective sorrow felt by the residents and the media over the inhuman act. Editorials too were unequivocal, read here.

Besides, on April 23, all of the Valley was shut down completely in grief and condemnation. This followed a call by business and travel trade bodies across the Valley that made the announcement within hours of receiving news of the attack. They announced a complete shutdown on Wednesday to condemn the attack. This has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years, sending shockwaves through the region and sparking national outrage. The shutdown had been jointly called by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), All Travel Associations, transporters, restaurant owners, and various civil society organizations.

Indian Muslims, religious and others condemn Pahalgam attack

By Wednesday afternoon, over a dozen religious leaders and other organisations had condemned the attack.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) and Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD) among others have also strongly condemned the heinous terrorist targeting of tourists near Pahalgam in the Kashmir valley, killing 26 innocents and injuring several others on April 22. “We join all fellow Indians in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. And call upon the central and state governments to ensure urgent and adequate compensation for the loss of precious lives and proper treatment of the injured.” The rest of the statement from civil society may be read here.

Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has strongly condemned the deadly terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on Tuesday.” The loss of innocent lives, including foreign tourists, is deeply heart-breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their grieving families, his public statement read, adding, “There can be no justification for such a barbaric act. It is completely inhuman and deserves absolute and unequivocal condemnation. Those responsible must be brought to justice and given the harshest punishment.”

I strongly condemn the deadly terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on Tuesday. The loss of innocent lives, including foreign tourists, is deeply heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their grieving families.

There can be no… pic.twitter.com/lokdbK92gN

— Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (@JIHMarkaz) April 22, 2025

Bengaluru, Karnataka: The Jama Masjid Imam, Maulana Maqsood Iimran Rashadi says, “… This was a cowardly attack. I don’t understand what they (attackers) want to prove by doing such acts. This is Hindustan and we love Hindustan… We strongly condemn this terrorist attack on tourists, and strongly appeal to the government to punish these terrorists in such a way that no other terrorist dares to attack like this. They (terrorists) should be hanged in public… Islam does not allow such acts…”

#WATCHB | #PahalgamTerrorAttack | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Jama Masjid Imam, Maulana Maqsood Iimran Rashadi says, “… This was a cowardly attack. I don’t understand what they (attackers) want to prove by doing such acts. This is Hindustan and we love Hindustan… We strongly… pic.twitter.com/Gpsig3BvwH

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

“I strongly Condom Pahalgam Terror Attack, said Maulana Sayed Moinuddin Ashraf (Moin Miyan) President All India Sunni Jamiatul Olama.”

We Strongly Condom Pahalgam Terror Attack. Said Maulana Sayed Moinuddin Ashraf (Moin Miyan) President All India Sunni Jamiatul Olama. #maulanasayedmoinuddinashraf #moinemillat #MoinMiyan #allindiasunnijamiatulolama #pehalgam pic.twitter.com/IlpEAsKsEH

— MD RASHID (@MDRASHI08328411) April 23, 2025

Also, the Lucknow Eidgah Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, “We condemn in the strongest possible words the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Today, we have organised a special prayer by students at Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal, Lucknow and Shaheen Academy. We demand that the Indian government ensure that the killers are punished severely. We appeal to the people of Pahalgam to maintain peace and communal harmony.”

#WATCH | Lucknow Eidgah Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali says, “We condemn in the strongest possible words the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Today, we have organised a special prayers by students at Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal, Lucknow and Shaheen Academy. We demand… pic.twitter.com/PCSUUWPYIV

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

Other individual condemnations

The cricketer Mohammed Siraj called for terrorists to be punished without mercy: ‘Yeh kaisi ladai hai…,’ he is reported to have said.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, India has also expressed its anguish and “offered its deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the victims and their grieving families. In their statement, they said, “Innocent lives lost to senseless violence is a tragedy for all of humanity. Islam strictly forbids all forms of terrorism and compels Muslims to uphold peace, justice, and the sanctity of life. The Holy Qur’an states: “Whosoever killed a person… it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.” (5:33) We stand united with our fellow citizens in this moment of grief and urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators of this inhumane act swiftly to justice. May India remain a land of peace, compassion, and unity for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

We strongly condemn the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, India offers its deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the victims and their grieving families. Innocent lives lost to senseless violence is a tragedy for all of… pic.twitter.com/CNqkSvPklb

— Islam in India (@islaminind) April 22, 2025

Related:

Indian Muslims, others, condemn the heinous massacre of tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir

The post Muslims in Kashmir & across India strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a statement issues today representatives of these organisations have said,

“We join all fellow Indians in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. And call upon the central and state governments to ensure urgent and adequate compensation for the loss of precious lives and proper treatment of the injured.

“According to some reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has claimed responsibility for the strike.

“We hope that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended, brought to justice and handed severe punishments.

“IMSD, Bebak Collective, BMMA, CSSS and Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) have always opposed any targeting of innocent civilians anywhere, irrespective of the cause offered as justification for such savagery.

“The terror attack hits at the heart of the Valley’s tourism centre, Pahalgam, putting a big question mark on claims of “return of normalcy”.

“The latest mass killing raises disturbing questions about the failure of security agencies in ensuring adequate cover in and around Pahalgam, among the obvious targets of terrorist groups.

“We demand a thorough enquiry into such a grievous security lapse, fixing of responsibility and necessary action.

“Meanwhile, in this moment of grief and anguish, we are heartened by the humanity displayed by the average Kashmiri Muslim. On Wednesday (April 23) the entire Valley observed a complete bandh: shopkeepers, traders, transporters. Reports across Kashmir of Mosques opening their doors to assist distraught tourists are pouring in as are reports of open condemnations from the Mosques calling this terror attack an attack on humanity itself.

“Kashmiri newspapers have in their editorials and front pages, editorially and visually conveyed the message that this is a day of mourning for the lives lost. We urge all media, especially the television channels to objectively report the developments and not slide into any provocative coverage

“We call upon all Indians irrespective of religion to emulate the fine example of communal amity displayed by ordinary Kashmiri Muslims.”

Signatories:

Javed Anand, Convenor, IMSD

Hasina Khan, Bebaak Collective

Irfan Engineer, Director, Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS)

Teesta Setalvad, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)

Zakia Soman, Co-Convenor, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA)

Zeenat Shaukatali, Director General, Wisdom Foundation

Related:

Indians & Kashmiris alike, Muslims strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack

The post Indian Muslims, others, condemn the heinous massacre of tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In Sindhudurg, a formal memorandum was submitted to the District Collector by Shri Bhaskar Kasar, representing the coordinated anti-bill movement. Addressed to DM Walawalkar, the memorandum called for the scrapping of the MSPS Act, citing its unconstitutional overreach and misuse of the term ‘public security’ to suppress dissent and target marginalised communities.

In Nanded, members of the Jan Suraksha Vidhayak Virodhi Samiti staged a Satyagraha, sitting in peaceful protest under a banner demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Bill. Community leaders and activists took turns addressing the gathering, warning of the chilling implications of this law for citizens’ rights and democratic discourse.

Symbolic acts of protest also marked the day’s events. In a striking demonstration held in Goregaon (West), protesters staged a dharna to denounce what they called the “insidious intention of the State” in introducing a bill “mischievously titled” as a Jan Suraksha (Public Security) Act. One protester commented that “even canines have understood the threat to democracy,” referencing the presence of a protest dog draped in a sloganed banner—a biting visual critique of the government’s attempt to silence criticism.

At Beed district, part of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) division, a mass sit-in was held outside the Collector’s Office. People’s movements and Left front parties jointly led the action, warning that the Bill aims to usher in an era of “autocratic rule” by robbing citizens of their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Placards and speeches throughout the day declared: “Under the guise of Jan Suraksha, they are snatching away our right to speak, to organise, to protest. This is not security—this is suppression.”

In Raigad, parallel protests took place both at the District Collector’s Office and the Tehsildar’s Office in Uran.

While Mumbai’s Bandra Collectorate saw a gathering of progressive groups rallying under the slogan: “Awaken, progressive society of Mumbai! Join the protest against the anti-people Maharashtra Public Security Act on April 22nd at 3 PM in front of the Bandra Collector’s Office. Scrap the Jan Suraksha Act. Inquilab Zindabad!”

In Nanded, the Jan Suraksha Vidhayak Virodhi Samiti held a Satyagraha demanding the scrapping of the Maharashtra Public Security Bill 2024. Protesters gathered under a large tent bearing banners that read “Jan Suraksha Vidhayak Radd Karo”, asserting that the law was aimed at silencing dissent and eroding constitutional freedoms.

Speeches were delivered by Comrade Sanjay Nangare (Shiv Sena UBT), Adv. Avinash Magre (Congress), Dr. Amol Phadke (Congress), and Dattatray Funde (Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana), all sharply criticising the Bill’s provisions and the threat they pose to democracy. A memorandum was submitted to Tehsildar Prashant Sangade during the demonstration.

Key attendees included Com. Adv. Subhash Lande (CPI), Bhagwanrao Gaikwad, Babanrao Pawar, Dattatray Are, Vaibhav Shinde, Ram Lande, Vishnu Gore, Balasaheb Mhaske, Ashok Najan, Adv. Afroz Shaikh, Babulal Sayyed, Geeta Thorve, Anjali Bhujbal, Mrs. Sable, and others.

In Thane, members of the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan and the Maharashtra State Workers’ Union (Thane district) staged a protest outside the District Collector’s office, decrying the Maharashtra Public Security Bill 2024 as anti-democratic and anti-worker.

The diverse and decentralised nature of these protests reflects the intensity of opposition to the MSPS Bill across Maharashtra.

Critics of the Bill have raised serious constitutional and legal objections. The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 allows the state to declare any organisation “unlawful” for acting against the “security of the state” or “public order”—terms that remain undefined and dangerously vague. The Bill gives sweeping powers to the police, including warrantless searches and seizures, extended pre-trial detention, and immunity from prosecution. It also empowers the government to seize the property of those accused, even before conviction, and criminalises ‘support’ to unlawful organisations in ways that can encompass mere association, speech, or financial transactions.

Legal experts and rights defenders have warned that the legislation mirrors the most repressive features of central laws like the UAPA and the erstwhile TADA, but with weaker procedural safeguards. It also bypasses judicial scrutiny by allowing the executive to set up “Public Security Councils” to take punitive action. These measures, protestors argue, are not about ensuring safety but about consolidating power and shrinking democratic space.

As the protests continue to gather momentum and testimonies of resistance pour in from across the state, the message is clear: the people of Maharashtra are not willing to cede their rights in the name of a security paradigm that criminalises dissent.

Related:

Maharashtra Rises in Protest: State-wide agitation against draconian Maharashtra Public Safety Bill on April 22

Understanding the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024 | Threat to Civil Liberties?

CJP sends objections against Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, citing grave threats to civil liberties

Press Release: Experts warn, Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill a threat to civil liberties

Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill: Bogey of “urban naxals” invoked to legitimise clamping down of dissent?

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