Pahalgam terror attack: NHRC condemns terror attack, asks State to ensure necessary steps to fix accountability

Security forces conducted search operations in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam. File
| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar

Three days after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday condemned the attack and asked the state to fix accountability and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a communique, the human rights commission said that it is deeply disturbed by the news of the killings, which were carried out after identifying the faith of the victims.

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“The Commission condemns the dastardly attack on the unarmed and unsuspecting innocent civilians who were on a holiday to the valley. The incident has shaken the conscience of every right thinking human being as a serious issue of violation of human rights of the innocent victims and their families,” it said.

The commission added that it has been said time and again at various forums that terrorism is one of the biggest causes of human rights violations in the world. The time has come to act against those aiding, abetting, supporting and advancing terrorism and to hold them accountable for this menace, it asked.

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Observing that if the action is not taken, it may result in shrinking of democratic space, intimidation, reprisals, harmony among communities and grave violation of various human rights, including right to life, liberty, equality, fraternity, and livelihood.

“It is expected that the State will take all the necessary steps to fix accountability; bring the perpetrators to justice and provide succour to the families of the victims in all possible manner,” the commission added.