Valley of Terror: Indian American Lawmakers and Hindu American Groups Condemn Kashmir Terrorist Attack
- Joining them was Vice President JD Vance, who is currently in India with his family, extended condolences on behalf of him and Second Lady Usha Vance.
Indian American lawmakers and representatives from Hindu American groups have condemned yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people, all tourists, were killed, and 17 were injured. It is being described as the region’s worst assault on civilians in years.
Kashmir Resistance, also known as The Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the April 22 attacks. The TRF is considered an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, a Delhi-based think tank. Lashkar-e-Taiba, listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, is the Islamist group accused of plotting attacks in India and in the West, including the three-day assault on Mumbai in November 2008.
Lawmakers, including President Trump, Prime Minister Modi, and several international leaders, condemned the attack and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Vice President JD Vance, who is currently in India with his family, extended condolences on behalf of himself and Second Lady Usha Vance. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he wrote on X. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Vance’s comments came as a reply to a post by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who called the attack “horrific.”
All the Indian American lawmakers in Congress posted on X as well, denouncing the attack and offering condolences and prayers to the families of the victims. “I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” Rep. Ro Khanna wrote. “The gunman killed at least two dozen tourists at this beautiful sightseeing town. I stand with the people of India at this moment, and offer condolences and prayers to the families of the victims.”
His colleague, Rep. Ami Bera, also from California, wrote that he was “greatly disturbed” by the attack.
“I am heartbroken by the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Other members of the “Samosa Caucus” — Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, and Suhas Subramanyam also took to the social media app.
Hindu American organizations also condemned the attack. The Hindu American Foundation issued a statement X, calling on the U.S. “to stand together with India in defeating this menace.” The group also shared resources on Kashmir, including “analysis, history, and reflections from Kashmiri Hindus.
Hindus Advancing Human Rights Initiative (HAHRI), an arm of HinduPACT, unequivocally condemned the brutal terrorist attack on innocent tourists. “The message from the terrorist state across India’s western border is clear,” said Ajay Shah, founder and convenor of HinduPACT, in a statement sent to American Khanai. “On behalf of American Hindus, we express our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims.”
Similarly, Rahul Sur, executive director of HAHRI, made an urgent call to conscience. “HAHRI unequivocally condemns the heinous, cowardly attack,” he said. “We stand unflinchingly with the families of the victims and call upon human rights organizations to unequivocally condemn this terrorist act.”
Meanwhile in California, more than 50 people gathered yesterday for a candlelight vigil at the University of California, Berkeley, to mourn the 26 lives lost tin the attack. Organized by the Berkeley chapter of CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), Youth Action Network (CYAN), and Hindu Yuva, the event provided a space for young Kashmiri Hindu American students at Berkeley and recent alumni to share the pain they were feeling.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) also commented on the issue. “The World cannot idly stand by each time terrorists take actions, and nations must unite and take joint actions against terrorists and those that harbor them,’ said Prakash Shah, president of GOPIO International. “That is the only way to end terrorism,” Shah added.
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham reaffirmed the association’s “solidarity and resolve in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and wherever it occurs.” He assured that the Indian and the Indian Diaspora will remain united with the Government of India’s efforts to combat terrorism.”