SRINAGAR: On Tuesday, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi called for a decisive and meaningful reply to last month’s brutal killings in Pahalgam, which left over two dozen civilians dead.
Describing the incident as “vile and gutless,” Owaisi strongly condemned the manner in which the assailants targeted men after separating them from women and children — reportedly demanding they prove their faith.
“It was nothing short of a terrorist strike. The more we denounce it, the less it feels. We have witnessed 26 people lose their lives at the hands of terrorists with Pakistani links,” Owaisi told media persons in Srinagar.
He said it was appalling that those unable to recite a religious phrase — the Kalma — were shot at point-blank range. “This was cruelty in its worst form. It was dehumanising,” he added.
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The lawmaker further expressed concern over the repercussions of the attack on Kashmir’s economy, particularly its tourism industry. “Locals are suffering. Visitors have left in large numbers. Livelihoods have been shattered,” he observed.
Calling for a firm policy response, Owaisi urged the central government to act decisively. “We made this demand during the all-party meeting too. There must be action that sends a message,” he stated.
In addition to his condemnation of the attack, the parliamentarian raised the case of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray from Kulgam, who was allegedly picked up by security personnel for questioning and was later found dead.
Responding to media queries, Owaisi said, “I have seen his family’s statements reported widely. There must be a thorough investigation into how and why this young man died.”
Magray’s body was discovered by villagers on Sunday, fuelling claims that he had been detained following the Pahalgam killings. His death has since triggered demands for accountability from both the public and political leaders.
“Such incidents further alienate the people. Justice must be delivered without delay,” Owaisi concluded.
