PUCL condemns Pahalgam attack, calls for justice, de-escalation, protection of civil liberties

By A Representative 

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has issued a strong statement condemning the killing of 26 individuals, including tourists, a local pony ride operator, and a Nepalese national, in a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The civil liberties organization has described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks in the region in the past 25 years.

Calling the killings "reprehensible and appalling," PUCL expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and urged the Government of India to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and provide timely justice. The organization also demanded adequate compensation from both central and state governments.

PUCL acknowledged the government's efforts in responding swiftly to the tragedy, including the return of the Prime Minister from an overseas trip and the Home Minister's visit to the affected families. The prompt repatriation of bodies and assistance to the thousands of tourists returning home were also noted.

The organization praised the response of the local Kashmiri community in Pahalgam, highlighting candlelight vigils, condemnations from religious leaders and civil society groups, and symbolic gestures by newspapers and associations in the region. PUCL stated that these actions reflect widespread condemnation of the violence among Kashmiri citizens.

However, the PUCL also raised serious concerns regarding national security and intelligence failures, drawing parallels with the 2019 Pulwama attack. The statement questioned the absence of adequate security in a known tourist hub and called for accountability from security agencies.

In response to India’s diplomatic and strategic moves following the attack—including the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—PUCL warned against further escalation. The group urged both India and Pakistan to pursue de-escalation and dialogue, stressing that heightened tensions between nuclear-armed nations could have catastrophic consequences.

The civil rights body also expressed concern over the reported detention of over 1,500 people in south Kashmir and the treatment of Kashmiri students and workers in other parts of India. PUCL cited reports of harassment, eviction, and physical attacks on Kashmiri students in several states, calling on the central government to ensure their safety and uphold their rights.

The organization further highlighted ongoing restrictions on civil liberties in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. It called for the release of detained activists, journalists, and lawyers, and the restoration of media freedom and democratic rights.

In its concluding remarks, PUCL appealed for peace, cautioning against communalizing the tragedy and stressing the importance of empathy, solidarity, and constitutional values in the nation’s response.

The organization’s statement was jointly signed by PUCL President Kavita Srivastava and General Secretary Dr. V. Suresh.