Daijiworld Media Network - Washington DC
Washington DC, Apr 26: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, describing it as a ‘horrifying attack, predominately against Hindus.’
In a statement issued on Friday, USCIRF chair Stephen Schneck said, "This horrifying attack, predominately against Hindus, marks a blatant and egregious targeting of individuals based on their religious beliefs." He urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and to take measures to prevent any retaliatory violence against Kashmiri Muslims.
The commission highlighted that the attackers reportedly asked victims to recite an Islamic verse and killed those who failed to do so. Expressing deep concern, commissioner Vicky Hartzler added, "We are deeply concerned by the explicit targeting of Hindus and other non-Muslims."
Hartzler further called on the US government to strengthen its leadership in promoting religious freedom, ensuring that individuals can practice their faith without fear of violence or retribution.
Adding to the call for action, commissioner Asif Mahmood urged the US State department to not only redesignate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) but also lift the existing national security waiver, allowing mandatory legal action to uphold religious freedom.
The terror attack, carried out on April 22 by militants linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident in the scenic Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, triggering outrage across India.
In a swift and strong response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a slew of tough measures against Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, cancelling the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, expelling Pakistani military attaches from New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at both countries' High Commissions.