New York– Members of the Indian-American community across the United States held prayer meetings and candlelight vigils on Tuesday to honor the victims of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The gatherings were organized to express solidarity with those killed in the heinous assault, in which terrorists targeted and deliberately shot Hindu tourists. The attack, later claimed by “The Resistance Front,” an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, left 26 people dead and several others injured, including a Nepali national.
The violence unfolded in the Baisaran Valley, where terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. Harrowing videos showing the chaos and indiscriminate firing quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage and grief around the world.
In Edison, New Jersey, more than 300 members of the Indian-American community, representing around 20 organizations, gathered to condemn the attack and mourn the victims. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and New Jersey Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak attended the vigil, offering their support and paying tribute.
“Standing united against terror and in solidarity with the victims,” the Consulate General of India in New York posted on social media while sharing photos from the gathering.
In Connecticut, sixteen Indian associations came together for a separate tribute ceremony, singing the Indian national anthem and calling for peace, justice, and resilience. Participants held placards with messages of support for India and waved Indian flags in a moving display of solidarity.
Similar scenes unfolded in Columbus, Ohio, where members of the community gathered waving both Indian and American flags, demonstrating unity and collective grief.
Meanwhile, Indian communities worldwide held large-scale protests over the weekend demanding justice for the victims. Demonstrations took place in Canada, Denmark, England, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, and the United States.
Reports from family members of the victims revealed chilling details: terrorists allegedly approached individuals, asked their religion, and executed those who identified as Hindu on the spot.
In response to the attack, the Indian government has taken a series of strong measures against Pakistan, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and closure of the Attari land-transit post.
Authorities have released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects have been identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both Pakistani nationals, and Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of the Anantnag district. (Source: IANS)
