New Delhi: The Pakistan India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of civilians in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The forum urged the government to open a dialogue with all stakeholders.
In a statement, PIPFPD expressed deep solidarity with the victims’ families and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are again facing trauma and suffering from this heinous act.
It said killing unarmed civilians is not militancy or revolutionary politics—it is pure terror. These attacks only extend violence and grief. No justification exists for such brutality by state or non-state actors.
The forum warned that such killings, especially those based on religion, benefit right-wing majoritarian forces.
“It helps Hindutva forces falsely label all Kashmiri Muslims as terrorists, despite locals risking their lives to save the victims,” it stated.
The forum added that silencing Kashmiris through arrests, especially youth, journalists, and human rights activists, is a grim reality. This suppression is pushing many youth toward radical ideologies, making peace harder to achieve.
Quoting John F. Kennedy, it reminded: “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
The PIPFPD noted that the terror attack—one of the worst in years—has plunged the region into mourning and sparked countrywide anger. Kashmir Times reported that many local groups, including CCIK, JKHC, travel associations, transporters, restaurants, and civil society groups, jointly called for a shutdown in protest.
The forum criticized the government for promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir while crushing independent voices. It called this approach insensitive and provocative. It warned that such a policy invites backlash and worsens instability.
The attack has already affected tourism. Many bookings have been canceled, which will harm local livelihoods and further deprive people of dignity and income.
PIPFPD stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is not a property dispute between India and Pakistan. It is about the democratic rights of its people. Military repression by either country must end. The state and local governance need to be strengthened to allow dialogue. The Indian government should prioritize this political resolution over military control.
The forum reaffirmed its long-standing stand against violence and for peaceful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It stressed that this is not a time to blame, but to act on urgent issues.
Firstly, the failure in tourist and local security must be acknowledged. Secondly, responsible institutions—not just individuals—must be held accountable transparently. Thirdly, a fair and prompt judicial probe must identify and punish the guilty.
PIPFPD called for an immediate end to violence, the release of political prisoners, and sincere dialogue to meet the people’s needs and aspirations. It said the conflict needs a patient, structured, and practical resolution—not denial and repression.
The forum urged everyone to work for a just, peaceful society where everyone’s rights and dignity are upheld. It appealed for calm and cautioned against falling into the trap of further violence.
“We urge the Government of India to ensure the safety and freedom of all Kashmiris across the country. The violence must stop before it escalates into more killings,” the statement concluded.
