Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar has raised a pertinent question following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 27 people tragically lost their lives. Speaking to the media, Pawar questioned the narrative being built around religion, asking, “India has faced several attacks in the past. Religion was never brought into focus then. Why is it being discussed now?”
He firmly stated that the attack is on the nation, and it is a national challenge that must be tackled decisively. Pawar cautioned that no one should do anything that further escalates communal tensions in the country.
Referring to reports claiming that the terrorists asked victims about their religion before opening fire, Pawar responded, “I don’t know the complete truth about this, but I’ve heard that the women present were not harmed—only the men were targeted.”
Pawar also criticized the central government’s earlier celebration of the abrogation of Article 370, remarking, “Despite the Centre’s claims that all is peaceful and safe in Kashmir, the people’s sentiments seem to differ. This attack proves that the situation remains sensitive.”
He appealed to all political parties to stand united with the government in such testing times. “Whenever such incidents happen at the border or in sensitive regions, both the ruling and opposition parties must act responsibly. This is not the time for political bickering, but for national solidarity,” he said.
He stressed the need to track down the perpetrators and take strict action, while also expressing concern that the attack would hurt tourism in Kashmir, affecting the livelihood of local residents.
Pawar welcomed the response from locals in Kashmir who, according to him, took to the streets in support of India after the attack—a move he described as “a very positive development.” He urged the Centre to focus on healing the situation and acknowledged that the government has taken five key decisions in response, which he believes are aimed at sending a strong message to Pakistan.
