Muslim, Hindu Responses to Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Factual Comparison

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 20, which resulted in the deaths of 27 Hindu tourists and a local Muslim youth, triggered markedly different reactions from Muslim and Hindu communities in India, based on articles from The Tribune and Genocide Watch.

Muslim organizations and leaders were quick to condemn the violence, framing it as an attack on national harmony. Prominent figures like Mubeen Farooqi of the Muslim Federation of Punjab emphasized solidarity with the victims’ families, while municipal leaders such as Aman Afridi criticized politicians for exploiting religious divisions. Trade unions like CITU highlighted the economic impact on Kashmir’s tourism-dependent population, urging justice and compensation.

In contrast, sections of the Hindu community, particularly Hindutva-aligned groups, responded with inflammatory rhetoric. Social media platforms saw widespread anti-Muslim and anti-Kashmiri sentiment, with calls for collective punishment, economic boycotts, and even genocide. X (Twitter) discussions hosted by accounts like Shivani Vaid and Neeraj Singh Dogra propagated Islamophobic slurs and false narratives, comparing the attack to “India’s October 7.” BJP-linked pages amplified divisive messaging, diverting attention from accountability to broader anti-Muslim propaganda.

While Muslim responses focused on unity and practical measures like solidarity events, Hindutva narratives exploited the tragedy to fuel polarization.