CIHS Condemns Systematic Targeting of Hindu Tourists in Pahalgam

Press Release

Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies (CIHS) vehemently condemns the barbaric terrorist attacks targeting unarmed civilians in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region and emphasises that hate-motivated violence against Hindus or any community is intolerable and must be eradicated.

Atrocious Assault in Baisaran
On April 22, 2025 at approximately 1430 hrs. IST, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam killing 26 people – including 24 tourists, two local residents and wounding over 17 others.

Reports confirm the terrorists conducted systematic screening to single out Hindu tourists, forcing them to recite religious phrases and verifying circumcision status before executing those who could not comply.

A Grim Pattern of Attacks on Hindu Pilgrims
CIHS notes that this outrage is part of a decades-long campaign against Hindu tourists and pilgrims in Kashmir:

• June 2024: A bus carrying Hindu pilgrims was ambushed leading to nine deaths and 33 injuries when the vehicle plunged into a gorge after militants opened fire.
• July 2017: Seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed and 19 injured in coordinated attacks on their bus in Anantnag district.
• Since 1990: Indian Parliament was informed that 36 separate terrorist strikes on Amarnath Yatris have claimed 53 lives and injured 167 others.

This sustained targeting of Hindus on religious journeys and travel constitutes a hate crime of the highest order and assaults the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, right to practice their faith and movement.

Unanimous Condemnation
Indian leaders swiftly decried the violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi curtailed his overseas visit and convened a national security meeting, pledging that “those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice”. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar to reinforce counter-terror deployments and tighten security around tourist and pilgrimage sites. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cut short her foreign visit and is on her way back to India.

Internationally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres “strongly condemns the armed attack … attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” offering condolences to bereaved families. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance – on an official visit to India – extended his “thoughts and prayers” to victims’ families and reaffirmed solidarity against terrorism.

CIHS Demands

1. Immediate Protection: Deploy enhanced security at all pilgrimage routes and tourist sites in Jammu & Kashmir, including permanent joint Army-Police checkpoints and minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians) in the valley.
2. Hindu Hate-Crime Legislation: Classify assaults targeting Hindu religious identity as hate crimes, ensuring perpetrators face full rigour of anti-terror and hate-crime statutes.
3. Transparent Investigation: Mandate an independent, time-bound probe into both Baisaran attack and broader pattern of assaults on Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, with findings made public.

CIHS stands with every Indian who refuses to bow down to terror and hate. We urge citizens, civil society and political leaders to unite in defending pluralism, safeguarding pilgrims, tourists and ensuring that no creed or community lives in fear.

April 23, 2025
New Delhi

Contact:
Vivek Raina
8851838835

Download Press Release