Indian bishops slam terror attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir that killed 26 people and injured 17 others, expressing pain for families who lost their loved ones. Terrorists opened fire on tourists on April 22 in the famed Baisaran meadow, about 5 kilometers from the resort town of Pahalgam in Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The victims include two foreigners – from the UAE and Nepal – and two local people. Indian authorities described the attack as one of the deadliest in recent times, according to media reports. The bishops’ conference’s April 23 statement said: “We strongly condemn this heinous crime against humanity, which has targeted innocent lives, causing immense pain and suffering to families and loved ones.” The bishops’ body called it “a brutal act” and “a grave affront to human dignity and values,” while demanding that those responsible “be brought to justice.” It further appealed to those involved in violence to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace. “Violence only breeds more violence, and it is high time for us to choose the path of love, compassion, and understanding,” it added. The bishops urged the Christian community across India to pray fervently for the repose of the souls of those who have lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short an official visit to Saudi Arabia after the attack and returned to New Delhi. He decried the “heinous act” and pledged that the attackers “will be brought to justice.” The deadly attack on tourists coincided with the April 21-24 visit of US Vice President JD Vance. He called it a “devastating terrorist attack.” US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among other world leaders, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the “armed attack,” stressing that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances.