USCIRF Condemns Attack in Kashmir

USCIRF Condemns Attack in Kashmir

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns the attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national. On April 22, gunmen attacked a group of tourists, most of whom were Hindu men. The perpetrators reportedly asked their victims to recite an Islamic verse, those who were unable to recite it were killed. 

“This horrifying attack, predominately against Hindus, marks a blatant and egregious targeting of individuals based on their religious beliefs,” said Chair Stephen Schneck. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, and we urge authorities to hold those responsible for the attack accountable, while also taking measures to prevent retaliation against Kashmiri Muslims.”

India and Pakistan both claim parts of Kashmir, which holds a Muslim majority population. Pahalgam, where the recent attack took place, is a mountainous region located in Indian-administered Kashmir. Tensions in the region have increased since 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked Article 370 of India’s constitution, which had granted Kashmir constitutional autonomy. The revocation split the state into two federally administered territories under the control of New Delhi, a move that sparked widespread protests. The recent attack is one of the deadliest that Kashmir has experienced in the last few years. The last major attack occurred in June 2024, when an attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims resulted in the death of nine people. 

“We are deeply concerned by the explicit targeting of Hindus and other non-Muslims,” said Commissioner Vicky Hartzler. “We urge the U.S. government to continue to deepen its leadership and engagement on religious freedom to ensure that all individuals are able to freely practice their faith without fear of attack or retribution.”

USCIRF previously expressed concern about the state of religious freedom in Jammu and Kashmir following the 2019 revocation of Article 370. In its 2024 Annual Report, USCIRF reported on the detention of Kashmiri journalists and human rights defenders focused on religious freedom issues.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].