Hindu Council Of New Zealand Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack In Pahalgam, Kashmir

Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) strongly condemns the horrific and cowardly terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India, in which innocent Hindu tourists were deliberately targeted. As per multiple media sources, the attackers asked victims to identify their religion before unleashing brutal violence.

We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those injured and traumatised. The Hindu Council of New Zealand stands in complete solidarity with the victims, their families, and the broader global Hindu community affected by this tragedy.

The Pahalgam attack reflects a chilling pattern of religiously motivated violence, where peaceful citizens—merely because of their faith—are subjected to horrific brutality. The premeditated nature of the attack, where victims were reportedly asked to disclose their religious identity, highlights the systematic targeting of Hindus—a disturbing echo of past atrocities.

This is not just an attack on individual lives but on the universal values of freedom of religion, diversity, and human dignity. It is also a reminder that religious extremism and terror remain significant threats to peace and security—not only in Bharat but around the globe.

The Hindu community worldwide is in mourning. As a diaspora rooted in the rich heritage of Sanātana Dharma, which teaches ahimsā (non-violence), karuā (compassion), and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family), we are deeply aggrieved that such hatred continues to claim innocent lives.

The Role of New Zealand’s Multicultural Community

New Zealand is a beacon of diversity, democracy, and pluralism. The Hindu community here, which has contributed positively across sectors—education, health, business, and public service—believes strongly in the values that bind all New Zealanders: pluralism, equity, and a deep respect for human rights.

This act of violence, though thousands of kilometres away, deeply affects communities here in Aotearoa. There may be familial links with the impacted region and families, however, beyond these familial links, there is the shared human sorrow that such acts evoke. As New Zealanders, we understand too well the pain and trauma caused by acts of hate.

It is vital that we stand together, across communities, cultures and creeds, to reject terrorism, hatred, and religious intolerance in all their forms.

A Call for Global Unity Against Terrorism

The Hindu Council of New Zealand urges the international community—governments, multilateral organisations, human rights groups, religious institutions, and civil society—to take unequivocal stands against such acts of violence.

Terrorism must never be rationalised, justified, or relativised based on political or ideological motives. Any form of violence against civilians, especially when driven by religious or ethnic hatred, must be denounced in the strongest possible terms.

We urge governments and international bodies to:

• Ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
• Support for decisive actions taken by countries to combat extremism and terrorism to safeguard their citizens.
• Stronger international collaboration to combat religious extremism and terror financing.
• The inclusion of attacks on Hindus in global discussions on human rights and religious freedom.

Preserving Peace Through Dharma

As followers of Sanātana Dharma, we believe that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, compassion, and harmony. For too long now, Hindu persecutions have been occurring with no recognition of the hurt, pain and loss that is created through such acts.

We appeal to all members of the Hindu community to channel their grief into positive action: advocacy for peace, support for victims, interfaith dialogue, and service to the community.

Message to the Wider Hindu Diaspora

To our sisters and brothers across the world: this is a time not only of mourning but also of unity. Our strength has always been in our values—resilience, tolerance, and service to humanity. The pain we feel is shared by Hindus from Wellington to Vancouver, from London to Durban. Let this shared sorrow become a seed of solidarity. Let us raise our collective voice—not with anger, but with clarity, courage, and unwavering dignity.

Let us walk forward together—grieving, yes, but more committed than ever to a world where no one is persecuted for their faith, where every community can live without fear, and where diversity is celebrated, not punished.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

© Scoop Media