In the wake of National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah’s recent controversial remarks describing the growing tourist inflow into J&K as a “cultural invasion,” a chilling terrorist attack has unfolded in Pahalgam, where Hindu tourists were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.
Political observers and the BJP have drawn a direct link between such divisive statements and the ideological climate that emboldens terrorists. “When elected representatives call tourism a cultural threat, it sends the wrong signal to separatist elements. It nurtures a mindset that tourists – especially Hindus – are outsiders or enemies,” a BJP leader said.
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Srinagar MP of the National Conference. pic.twitter.com/FUG7JYVcOi
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) April 22, 2025
In an earlier television interview, Ruhullah ominously warned that the mass exodus and killings of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s “could be repeated.”
BJP has condemned Ruhullah’s remarks and questioned the silence of National Conference leadership. “Why hasn’t Omar Abdullah distanced himself from this inflammatory rhetoric? Their silence can only be seen as tacit approval. The statement and its timing raise serious national security concerns,” the party added, demanding immediate action against Ruhullah.
Just days after these controversial comments, terrorists struck in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. According to officials, the attackers asked a group of tourists their religion before opening fire after confirming they were Hindus. Several tourists were injured in this chilling, targeted assault.
Eyewitnesses described the horror. “They asked about our religion, and when they heard we were Hindu, they shot,” a female tourist recounted, her voice trembling.
Security forces and police rushed to the scene. The area was quickly cordoned off and a search operation launched to track down the terrorists. Checkpoints across the region were activated to prevent the attackers from fleeing.
Reacting to the incident, BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina blamed “cowardly Pakistani terrorists” for the act and said the attack was deliberately aimed at unarmed Hindu tourists. “They cannot fight our brave soldiers, so they attack innocent civilians. This is the true face of terrorism in Kashmir,” he said.
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