Protest Pahalgam terror attack by wearing black armbands to Friday prayers: Owaisi

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemns Pahalgam terror attack, urges Muslims to wear black armbands in protest.

Hyderabad Parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir, and urged Muslims to wear black armbands while attending Friday prayers as a mark of protest.

“As you all know, Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba has killed more than 26 fellow Indians in this barbaric, inhuman, and oppressive act. Many others are injured and are fighting for their lives. I appeal to the people going to Friday prayers to wear a black band on their arms so that we, unitedly, send a message to the terrorists that we condemn their acts, and we will never allow the killing of innocents in the name of Islam,” Mr Owaisi said in a video message.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president stressed that Indians would never tolerate foreign forces taking the lives of Indian citizens. Calling the attack “heinous”, he appealed for its collective condemnation during Friday congregations.

Earlier in the day, Mr Owaisi spoke to the media, and stressed the importance of standing unitedly against terrorism. “The need of the hour is to set political differences aside and focus on how the country can eliminate Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who have infiltrated from Pakistan,” he said. “This is the demand of national interest.”

Raising concerns over security lapses, Mr. Owaisi questioned how the assailants managed to cross the border undetected. “If they could reach Pahalgam, they can reach Srinagar also. Accountability must be fixed,” he said.

Criticising communal content on social media, he said that this divisive behaviour serves the interests of Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba. “Those who spread venom on social media are making Pakistan and these terror groups happy,” he said.

Mr. Owaisi also appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah for visiting the families of the victims, describing it as a “good move” and that it was not easy. He urged the government not to forget the victims once media attention fades. “I am saying on record that the Home Minister went and met the families of was a good move. It was not easy,” he said.