Lucknow, April 24: In a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, senior Sunni cleric and Imam of Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, on Thursday called on the people of Pakistan to rise against their government and military for facilitating acts of terror on Indian soil.

The remarks come after 26 people, most of them tourists, were gunned down in a brutal targeted terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam on Tuesday.

The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terror outfit and offshoot of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, is suspected to be behind the massacre.

Speaking to Media, Firangi Mahali said, “The people of Pakistan should understand that no one will support such activities. They should raise their voices against their own government and army, which are encouraging these acts of terrorism.”

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a series of stringent measures in response to the attack.

These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistan’s military attaches from New Delhi and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.

Calling these actions “necessary and timely,” Firangi Mahali stated, “The horrific incident of terrorism in Pahalgam has been condemned in the harshest terms. This tragic event has shaken the entire country. The steps taken by the Government of India — whether on the water agreement, diplomatic expulsions, or visa cancellations — are absolutely appropriate.”

Appealing for national unity, he urged political parties to come together on a single platform in support of the government’s decisions.

“This is not the time for political division. All parties must stand united so that a positive image of national solidarity is conveyed internationally,” he said.

The cleric also warned against communalising the tragedy. “My appeal to fellow Indians is not to view this terror incident through a religious lens. No religion condones violence or terrorism,” he said.

“Some of the posts circulating on social media are sending out a very negative message. In this hour of crisis, every Indian — regardless of religion or political affiliation — must stand together,” he added.

Mumbai: After the Kashmir Pahalgam terrorist attack, the process of bringing tourists from Kashmir to Maharashtra and Mumbai by special aircraft has been started. The victims will be brought back by a special IndiGo plane and the government will bear the entire expenses, this was informed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said that tourists have been targeted in Pahalgam and it is very sad that they were targeted by asking about their religion. It is too little to condemn. He said that contact with the victims is ongoing and help is also being provided through social media and SMS. In addition, the victims trapped in Pahalgam will be brought to Mumbai as soon as possible. The bodies of the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam have been brought to Mumbai and Pune airports. Along with this, I hope that the Prime Minister will find the mastermind of this terrorist attack and teach him a lesson.

Mumbai: After the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, Mumbai is also on high alert. Special security arrangements have been made in Mumbai city. Security has been tightened at important places and installations and religious places. Orders have also been issued to all zonal DCPs and senior police inspectors to remain alert, along with increased patrolling of patrolling squads. Mumbai Police is fully prepared and alert to maintain law and order in Mumbai city. A watch is also being kept on miscreants. Apart from this, all senior officers have also been ordered to remain alert and keep a watch on their constituencies, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Pansalkar has said.

Muslims have also condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, along with this, this cowardly attack is also being called a failure of intelligence because at the time when the terrorists carried out this attack, there was no security force or personnel present. This is the biggest terrorist attack in Pahalgam after the abrogation of Article 370, so Mumbai Police is also on alert after the Pahalgam attack. In addition, an alert has been issued across Maharashtra. The police are reviewing the situation at the district level. Along with Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Police has also started monitoring social media after this attack.

Controversial posts are also being made public regarding the attack and an attempt has been made to target a section on social media over this attack and the process of creating a hateful atmosphere has been prolonged. Social media is also being monitored in Mumbai city, along with this, social media is also taking action on such controversial posts. In the same context as the terrorists targeted a specific community in Pahalgam and killed them by asking about their religion, attempts to create a hateful atmosphere on social media have become common. Communal elements are trying to link this attack to a specific community and the religion of Islam, and the Mumbai Police and agencies are also keeping an eye on the communalists.