Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was among several Indian sportspersons who condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead and several others injured on Tuesday, April 22. Siraj penned a strongly-worded post, calling to “end the madness” and urging that the perpetrators be punished “without mercy”.
The attackers, believed to be members of The Resistance Front — an offshoot of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — opened fire on tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. The incident is being described as the worst attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“Just read about the horrific and shocking terrorist attack in Pahalgam. To target and kill innocent civilians in the name of religion is pure evil… No cause, no belief, no ideology can ever justify such a monstrous act,” Siraj said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Yeh kaisi ladai hai. Jahaan insaan ki jaan ki koi keemat hi nah (What kind of fight is this? Where there is no value to a human life?).
“I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and trauma the families must be going through.. May the families find the strength to survive this unbearable grief. We are so sorry for your loss. I hope this madness ends soon and these terrorists are found and punished, without mercy,” Siraj added.
Eyewitnesses said the terrorists emerged from the surrounding pine forests and fired at people picnicking, riding ponies, or eating at food stalls. Most of the victims were tourists, including two foreigners from the UAE and Nepal, and two locals.
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli also condemned the attack on Wednesday.
“Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength to families all those who lost their lives and justice to be served for their cruel act,” Virat Kohli said.
“The affected families must be going through an unimaginable ordeal – India and the world stand united with them at this dark hour, as we mourn the loss of lives and pray for justice,” Tendulkar said.
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami condemned that attack, saying it’s time for the nation to stand united against terrorism.
Former wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami, in a strongly-worded post, urged India to cut all sporting relations with Pakistan.
“And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, ‘Oh, but sport should rise above politics’,” Goswami wrote.
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 season. The two teams have met in multi-national tournaments, including the Asia Cups and ICC World Cups and the Champions Trophy. Earlier this year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy, citing security reasons. India played their matches in Dubai and went on to win the coveted title.
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