So says the Holy Quran in 5th Surah Al-Maida, Verse 32. Because every human being is a sacred creation of Almighty Allah. Human life is inviolable. It must be protected and respected at all cost. Therefore, the terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam on April 22, which caused the death of 28 innocent tourists, has caused worldwide outrage.
It must be appreciated that the Kashmiris who were in and around Pahalgam, and all over the Union Territory also opposed and categorically condemned the reprehensible massacre of the innocents. The Kashmiris went out of the way, some fought with the terrorists and countless people helped the victims. Some of them fought with the attackers and at least one Kashmiri Muslim sacrificed his life in protecting the victims. Others helped the traumatised tourists and took them to safe places. They gave refuge to the frightened tourist guests, provided food to them and accommodated them in their houses. This has left a deep impression of the hospitable and humane nature of the Kashmiris. This is evident from countless videos available on social media.
All Muslim organisations, Imams, religious personalities and common Muslims also rose like a single person and joined protest marches, candle light vigils along with the Non-Muslim brothers. Some politicians used this terror attack as a political opportunity to take forward their agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, cut short his visit and rushed to India. It was expected that he would attend the All Party Meet of political parties in Delhi. It is strange that he delegated his responsibility to his ministers Amit Shah, Raj Nath Singh and Kiran Rijiju. It is unexplainable that the PM preferred to attend an election rally in Bihar. He did not visit Kashmir nor met and consoled the families of the unfortunate victims.
As usual the fascist forces used this tragedy to instigate citizens against each other. Some politicians used this incident to give a call for confrontation with our neighbouring country.Already India is in a bad position. China has occupied thousands of miles of our land. With Bangladesh and Pakistan also, our relations are not good. Even a small island nation the Maldives is at daggers drawn against us.
Modi government threw the blame for the terror attack at the door of Pakistan and announced several sanctions against it. The government announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which was signed in 1960. Jal Shakti Minister C.S. Patil announced that now Pak will not get even a single drop of water. Other measures announced in quick succession are downgrading diplomatic relations, suspending issuance of visas and asking Pak citizens to leave India within a few days.
Former PM Vajpayee acted like a statesman when he said that we can choose our friends but cannot do this regarding our neighbours.
The need of the hour is keeping in mind the permanent and long lasting interests of India and acting wisely. Our government claims that technical intelligence and inputs have confirmed Pak hand in the attack.
Meanwhile fascist elements in India have been busy in promoting hate among different sections of society. If we do not stop this, it may do irreparable damage to our society.
Conflicts and wars do not solve problems, they increase them. Pakistan must understand that it is not in its own interest to encourage violent elements within its borders.Both India and Pakistan should concentrate on their social economic and moral development and learn to live like good neighbours.