Bathinda meeting highlights concerns over political exploitation of Pahalgam terror attack

By Harsh Thakor* 

Lok Morcha Punjab held a public meeting at Teacher's Home in Bathinda on April 28, attended by approximately 50 participants, to address concerns over the political use of the recent Pahalgam incident, in which terrorists killed 26 persons.

The meeting was jointly organized with Inquilabi Kendar Punjab. Both organizations expressed sorrow over the incident and cautioned against its exploitation for political and communal purposes.

Speakers, including Kanwaljeet Khanna and Narayan Datt of Inquilabi Kendar Punjab, and Jagmel Singh and Sheerin of Lok Morcha Punjab, condemned the attack and called for an impartial investigation.

Lok Morcha representatives alleged that the BJP and Sangh Parivar were attempting to use the incident to further a communal narrative. They referenced the long-standing suppression of Kashmiri self-determination and linked this to broader political strategies, including alignment with global powers.

The leaders pointed to increasing instances of violence and discrimination against Muslim and Kashmiri communities across India. They argued that the incident was being used to intensify communal polarization and to generate political support through nationalist sentiment.

Speakers also criticized the ongoing militarization of Jammu & Kashmir and called for the repeal of laws such as AFSPA and UAPA.

Demands from the meeting included ensuring safety for Kashmiri and Muslim citizens, halting communal propaganda, and initiating an impartial probe into the Pahalgam attack.

The leaders highlighted past instances of inter-community solidarity and stressed the need for protecting students and other vulnerable groups. They urged unity among democratic and secular forces to counter communal divisions.

In response to an alleged attack on Kashmiri students at Central University Bathinda by ABVP members, a delegation comprising Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan, and Punjab Students Union (Shaheed Randhawa) met with the Nandgarh S.H.O., demanding an FIR for forced entry and incitement of communal violence.

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*Feelance journalist