New York: The horrific terrorist attack on innocent tourists visiting the Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, Kashmir has shocked India and garnered widespread condemnation from political figures around the world.
Indian Americans politicians, who form the largest and most politically active group among Asian Americans, stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and expressed their anguish against the dastardly attack and reaffirm their commitment to combating terrorism.
Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and Republican politician, was quick to react to the tragedy. "This was a horrific attack. We extend our condolences to the families of those who died and our prayers for those who were injured to recover quickly," he said.
Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th congressional district, said: "I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. The gunman killed at least two dozen tourists at this beautiful sightseeing town. I stand with the people of India at this moment and offer condolences and prayers to the families of the victims."
Ami Bera, a physician and US Congressman from California’s 6th district, also expressed his shock over the loss of lives. "I am greatly disturbed by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 20 civilians and injured dozens more. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific event," Bera said.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, US representative from Illinois’s 8th district, condemned the attack as senseless violence. "I am heartbroken by the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice," Krishnamoorthi remarked.
Shri Thanedar, US Congressman from Michigan’s 13th district, underscored the need for stronger cooperation between the US and India in addressing terrorism. "I condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 28 civilians, many of them tourists. With Vice President Vance in India, this attack underscores the urgent need for stronger US-India cooperation to confront terrorism and pursue justice," Thanedar said.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) said, “I condemn this violent attack. My thoughts are with the victims, families, and all those affected. I am wishing all the families of the victims’ strength during this devastating time.”
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“I am praying for the Indian people following the tragic terrorist attack in Kashmir. America stands with our dear friends in India and against terrorism in all its forms, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a post on X.
Senator Chuck Schumer, New York's Senator and the Senate Democratic Leader, said his heart breaks for the "innocent tourists and locals murdered by terrorists in the revolting attack in Kashmir, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured." He added that there can be no tolerance for the hatred that breeds "this kind of unjustifiable violence".
“I send my condolences to the people of India in the aftermath of the horrific attack in Kashmir and hope those responsible will be brought to justice soon. Terrorism is never tolerated,” US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch said in a post on X.
Deputy Secretary at the Department of State Christopher Landau said the US “strongly condemns” the terrorist attack in Kashmir and “stands resolutely alongside India. Sending very heartfelt condolences to all Indians, and especially those who have lost their loved ones in this heinous attack on tourists and civilians.” Senator Bill Hagerty said the US stands with India. “I condemn the shocking attack today by Islamic terrorists who murdered dozens of people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.” The “terrorist attack in Kashmir is a deeply disturbing reminder that the threat posed to civilized nations by terrorism remains acute,” Senator Ted Cruz said.
He added that the US will stand with India and Prime Minister Modi “as they bring these terrorists to justice.”
Senator Rick Scott said he and his wife Ann are devastated to hear of the “evil terrorist attack” in Pahalgam, India. “The US stands with India as we pray for those who lost loved ones or were injured in this unimaginable attack.” Vivek Ramaswamy, who was a 2024 presidential primary candidate and had briefly co-headed the Department of Government Efficiency along with billionaire Elon Musk, termed the attack “horrific” and extended condolences to the families of those who died.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack and offered prayers for the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of evil. “The United States stands in strong solidarity with our brothers and sisters in India and Prime Minister Modi. We remain united in our determination to confront terrorism and defeat those who threaten peace and freedom. In unity and strength, we will always overcome.”
Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks from New York said he is heartbroken by the news of the heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent tourists and condemns this senseless act of terrorism.
Representative Grace Meng of New York said, “My heart breaks for those murdered and injured during the brutal attack in Kashmir. I strongly condemn this act of terrorism. My thoughts are with all the families who are impacted by this unthinkable violence.”
Congressman Tom Suozzi also condemned the attack and said, “There is no place for terrorism in our world. It must be stopped.”
Ranking Member in the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Jeanne Shaheen said she was horrified to learn about the attacks, which I condemn in the strongest terms. My heart goes out to the victims & families who have suffered this tragedy & I hope the authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice.
Congressman Mike Lawler of New York strongly also condemned the terrorist attack, saying the United States stands with India.
Representative Tim Kennedy called it an appalling terrorist attack, underlining that "violence like this has no place in our world, and we must stand united against such cruelty.
State senator Matt Lesser from Connecticut said his district has a strong and vibrant South Asian community, asserting that he stands with his "constituents in expressing horror about the recent terrorist attack on tourists and civilians in Kashmir. There can be no excuse for this despicable action.
Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey said, I am horrified by the terror attack in Kashmir where Islamist militants gunned down at least 26 tourists. It's one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in years."
He added that New Jersey's Indian American community, many with ties to Kashmir, is mourning. "I stand with you and with India which is grieving this awful tragedy.
Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey said it was devastating to see dozens of innocent lives lost in the ruthless attack.
We must remain united in condemning this horrible crime and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Senator Jon Husted from Ohio called the murder of innocent tourists "horrifying". I hope the terrorists face justice and everyone who lost loved ones finds comfort as they grieve.
New Jersey Lt Governor Tahesha Way said she was deeply saddened by the terrorist attack. As Secretary of State, she oversees the New Jersey-India Commission, which oversees the state's relations with India. My heart goes out to all affected by this tragedy, she said.
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Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, strongly condemned the terrorist attack, saying both the US and India have been burned by state-sponsored terror. “The world must stand united to eradicate terrorism in all its forms, everywhere and states directly or indirectly sponsoring or promoting such acts of terrorism must not only be condemned but also sanctioned with stoppage of any aid to them, especially military. India has been subjected to an ongoing war of terror sponsored by Pakistan agencies, operators, terror groups and agencies,” he said.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) strongly condemned the dastardly attack, saying it was a reminder of the constant threat of terrorism that continues to lurk from both state and non-state nefarious actors.
“While India will continue to remain resilient in the face of such adversity, this unfortunate incident is a sobering reminder, of just why the US-India defense and security partnership remains vital to stand up to such abominable adversaries and anticipate and prevent further attacks both on Indian soil or to its strategic partners and assets overseas,” USISPF said, adding that it is a shame that the picturesque town of Pahalgam has now been marred with the bloody horrors of this heinous attack.
Former advisor to President Joe Biden and Co-Chair for the Economic Subcommittee for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Commission Ajay Bhutoria too condemned the terrorist attack in Kashmir. “My prayers go out to the victims and their families. Let’s unite against terror!” Hindus Advancing Human Rights Initiative (HAHRI), an arm of HinduPACT, unequivocally condemned the attack, with its executive director Rahul Sur saying that the “world has been warned repeatedly about this Islamic fundamentalism. It must be crushed. It is time to sanction Pakistan.” The Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and said the 26 tourists were executed by Islamist terrorists by targeting solely for their Hindu faith.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) unequivocally condemned the terrorist action, with GOPIO International President Prakash Shah saying the “world cannot idly stand by each time terrorists take actions and nations must unite and take joint actions against terrorists and those that harbor them.” “That is the only way to end Terrorism,” Shah added.
GOPIO Chairman Thomas Abraham reaffirmed solidarity and resolve in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and wherever it occurs. “The Indian Diaspora will remain united with the Government of India’s efforts to combat terrorism,” he said.
(Compiled from various news agencies)
