South Asian left statements on the Pahalgam terrorist attack and current India-Pakistan tensions
[Editor’s note: Activists from Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist Liberation) and Haqooq-e-Khalq Party (Pakistan) will be speaking at Ecosocialism 2025, September 5-7, Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. For more information on the conference visit ecosocialism.org.au.]
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation statement on the Pahalgam terrorist attack
Central Committee of CPI(ML) Liberation, New Delhi, April 22, 2025
The CPI(ML) Liberation strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 22 in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where unarmed tourists were targeted, resulting in several deaths and injuries. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and stand in solidarity with their families.
The Modi government's claim of normalisation of the situation in J & K and chest-thumping on national security stands exposed, as such attacks continue unabated in the region. There has been a disturbing rise in attacks on civilians — residents, migrant workers, and now tourists.
The BJP’s repeated proclamations of “complete normalcy” in Jammu & Kashmir ring hollow in the face of such continuing violence. While the ruling party has declared on every platform that all issues in the region have been resolved, the reality tells a different story. Jammu & Kashmir remains heavily militarized, and terror attacks persist under the watch of this regime. The Modi government’s strategy—suppressing democratic voices while indulging in aggressive posturing — has failed to deliver either peace or security.
We must reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to stoke jingoistic and communal narratives. At this critical moment, it is essential for people across the country to stand united and push back the divisive forces seeking to exploit such tragedies for political gain.
Haqooq-e-Khalq Party (HKP, People’s Rights Party) statement on present India-Pakistan conflict
Haqooq-e-Khalq Party, April 26
HKP strongly condemns the attack in Pahalgam. We believe terrorism has no place in our society, our region, or anywhere in the world.
Such acts of violence only serve to deepen divisions and suffering among our peoples. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
We believe India has acted in an unwarranted and belligerent way by suspending the Indus Water Treaty.
This unprecedented action violates a long-standing agreement that has survived previous conflicts and threatens the water security of millions of Pakistani citizens.
We view this as a dangerous escalation that contradicts international law and norms of peaceful coexistence between neighboring states.
We condemn continuation of atrocities and dictatorial measures against Kashmiris by Indian ruling class. We stand for demilitarization of Kashmir and the right of self-determination of Kashmiris on both sides.
War drums are not the solution to the challenges we face. We call upon progressive forces on both sides of the border to push for peace, security, and prosperity.
The people of South Asia deserve better than conflict and instability. Our shared future depends on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation rather than confrontation and hostility.