Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) strongly condemns the
horrific and cowardly terrorist attack that occurred in
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India, in which innocent
Hindu tourists were deliberately targeted. As per multiple
media sources, the attackers asked victims to identify their
religion before unleashing brutal violence.
We express
our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of
those who lost their lives in this senseless act of
violence. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those
injured and traumatised. The Hindu Council of New Zealand
stands in complete solidarity with the victims, their
families, and the broader global Hindu community affected by
this tragedy.
The Pahalgam attack reflects a chilling
pattern of religiously motivated violence, where peaceful
citizens—merely because of their faith—are subjected to
horrific brutality. The premeditated nature of the attack,
where victims were reportedly asked to disclose their
religious identity, highlights the systematic targeting of
Hindus—a disturbing echo of past atrocities.
This is
not just an attack on individual lives but on the universal
values of freedom of religion, diversity, and human dignity.
It is also a reminder that religious extremism and terror
remain significant threats to peace and security—not only
in Bharat but around the globe.
The Hindu community
worldwide is in mourning. As a diaspora rooted in the rich
heritage of Sanātana Dharma, which teaches ahimsā
(non-violence), karuā (compassion), and vasudhaiva
kutumbakam (the world is one family), we are deeply
aggrieved that such hatred continues to claim innocent
lives.
The Role of New Zealand’s Multicultural
Community
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New Zealand is a beacon of diversity,
democracy, and pluralism. The Hindu community here, which
has contributed positively across sectors—education,
health, business, and public service—believes strongly in
the values that bind all New Zealanders: pluralism, equity,
and a deep respect for human rights.
This act of
violence, though thousands of kilometres away, deeply
affects communities here in Aotearoa. There may be familial
links with the impacted region and families, however, beyond
these familial links, there is the shared human sorrow that
such acts evoke. As New Zealanders, we understand too well
the pain and trauma caused by acts of hate.
It is
vital that we stand together, across communities, cultures
and creeds, to reject terrorism, hatred, and religious
intolerance in all their forms.
A Call for Global
Unity Against Terrorism
The Hindu Council of New
Zealand urges the international community—governments,
multilateral organisations, human rights groups, religious
institutions, and civil society—to take unequivocal stands
against such acts of violence.
Terrorism must never be
rationalised, justified, or relativised based on political
or ideological motives. Any form of violence against
civilians, especially when driven by religious or ethnic
hatred, must be denounced in the strongest possible
terms.
We urge governments and international bodies
to:
- Ensure that those responsible are held
accountable. - Support for decisive actions taken by
countries to combat extremism and terrorism to safeguard
their citizens. - Stronger international collaboration
to combat religious extremism and terror
financing. - The inclusion of attacks on Hindus in
global discussions on human rights and religious
freedom.
Preserving Peace Through
Dharma
As followers of Sanātana Dharma, we believe
that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the
presence of justice, compassion, and harmony. For too long
now, Hindu persecutions have been occurring with no
recognition of the hurt, pain and loss that is created
through such acts.
We appeal to all members of the
Hindu community to channel their grief into positive action:
advocacy for peace, support for victims, interfaith
dialogue, and service to the community.
Message to
the Wider Hindu Diaspora
To our sisters and brothers
across the world: this is a time not only of mourning but
also of unity. Our strength has always been in our
values—resilience, tolerance, and service to humanity. The
pain we feel is shared by Hindus from Wellington to
Vancouver, from London to Durban. Let this shared sorrow
become a seed of solidarity. Let us raise our collective
voice—not with anger, but with clarity, courage, and
unwavering dignity.
Let us walk forward
together—grieving, yes, but more committed than ever to a
world where no one is persecuted for their faith, where
every community can live without fear, and where diversity
is celebrated, not punished.
Om Shanti Shanti
Shanti.
