After the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday that claimed more than 25 lives, a dangerous wave of anti-Kashmir and anti-Muslim rhetoric has emerged on social media and in public discussions. Hindutva groups have begun circulating divisive and violent messages, calling for harsh measures against Muslims and the region itself.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), some accounts have been calling for an “Israel-like solution” in Kashmir, with several users advocating for violent action and even genocide. Talk show hosts have joined in, fueling further hatred. One TV anchor stated, “There needs to be a final solution,” referring to the need to take extreme measures against Muslims in the region.
Some social media users have spread harmful and bigoted messages. Sonam Mahajan, who calls herself a “Strategic thinker,” tweeted, “From Murshidabad to Pahalgam, terrorism has a religion. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a pathological liar.”
Another user, @moonlightmi1e, posted, “In our childhood, we were all scared before entering a Muslim colony or area,” while also expressing that people fear entering such areas due to perceived hostility.
Nupur Sharma, editor of the Hindutva website OPIndia, added, “Nobody cares. Keep your candles. Keep your apples. Keep your shawls. Keep your Kashmiriyat. Stop the bloody drama.” Her words echoed a growing resentment toward Kashmir’s cultural identity and its people.
Some individuals have gone further to claim that the attackers responsible for the Pahalgam attack were targeting people based on their religion. Anand Ranganathan wrote, “Terrorism has no religion. That’s why Pahalgam terrorists checked the ID cards of tourists, pulled their pants down, asked them to recite kalma, and killed those not Muslims.”
One user, @srikanth467, posted a message filled with hate, stating, “Middle finger salute to your mosques and bhai chara,” targeting the Muslim community’s places of worship and social unity.
These statements have caused widespread concern, as they contribute to the growing climate of intolerance and division. Critics warn that when such genocidal rhetoric is normalized on prime-time television and social media, it creates a dangerous environment where mass violence becomes more likely.
This kind of speech not only undermines the safety and security of Kashmir’s Muslim population but also threatens the fragile peace in the region.
